Tourism to take hit from commercial fishing in municipal waters – groups

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s tourism sector may take a hit if a Supreme Court ruling allowing commercial fishing inside the 15-kilometer municipal waters becomes final and executory, industry players said.

Marivic Maramot, owner of Batangas Scuba Academy, said water activities like scuba diving, island hopping, snorkeling, kayaking and other activities will be adversely affected by the High Court’s decision.

She said the foreseen increase in fishing pressure from commercial fishers within the municipal waters may destroy coral reefs and seagrass beds, resulting in the decline of marine biodiversity that entices tourists to visit certain islands and coastal areas.

“We are afraid we will have fewer visitors and lower revenue from tourism activities,”
Maramot said.

Jeru Pakingan Cajapin of DivePlan Philippines said the country is known as one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world due to its marine biodiversity.

“Divers and other tourists frequently look for spots rich in fish and coral reefs. The potential depletion of these resources could discourage them from diving and affect local dive shops and operators that depend on healthy marine environments,” he said.

Cajapin noted that tour operations in the country may have to modify their itineraries for tourists or explore alternative locations to cope with the foreseen situation. However, Cajapin said these can lead to increase in operational costs that may drive away tourists.

Oceana acting vice president Rose-Liza Eisma-Osorio said that sustainable management of coastal areas is essential for preserving the health of ecosystems that draw visitors from around the globe.