UN agri agency ready to support Philippines fisheries sector

MANILA, Philippines — The United Nations agriculture agency is ready to support governments, including the Philippines, to formulate measures against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and promote management and development of the fisheries sector.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recognizes the Philippines’ acceptance of two international agreements that will further boost efforts in ensuring sustainable management of the country’s marine resources.

But FAO Representative to the Philippines José Luis Fernandez said “Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing continue to be a major threat to  our marine resources, as well as to the well-being and resilience of fishing communities whose livelihoods and food security depend on this vital sector.”

The Philippines is a global center of marine biodiversity and boasts one of the longest coastlines in the world. The country is among the top fish producers globally, according to FAO’s 2018 State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report.

“The effective implementation of these international instruments ultimately contributes to the long-term conservation and sustainable use of living marine resources and marine ecosystems,” Fernandez said. 

“FAO stands ready to support governments, including the Philippines, in their capacity to formulate sound measures to combat IUU fishing, and promote management and development of the fisheries sector,” he added.

The Philippine government has formally accepted the following: Agreement to Promote Compliance with International Conservation and Management Measures by Fishing Vessels on the High Seas (Compliance Agreement), and Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing. The two agreements were approved by FAO member states and entered into force in 2003 and 2016, respectively.

The healthy status of world fisheries and aquatic resources and the well-being of fishing communities and fisher workers are central to FAO’s policy work, its Blue Growth Initiative and FAO’s Strategic Programme to Reduce Rural Poverty, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.