Makabayan lawmakers in the Philippines have raised concerns about the potential harm to small-scale fishers, the environment, and marine resources from allowing commercial fishing within the 15-kilometer municipal water zone. They are petitioning for a congressional investigation into the matter.
Allowing large-scale commercial fishing within municipal waters is a grave concern for small-scale fishers, the environment, and marine resources, according to a resolution filed by Makabayan lawmakers in the Philippine House of Representatives. The lawmakers, led by Kabataan Representative Raoul Manuel, are urging the House committee on aquaculture and fisheries resources to investigate the potential consequences of opening municipal waters to commercial fishers.
They cite expert calculations that indicate only 2% of Philippine waters would be left for small-scale fishers if municipal waters were fully accessible to commercial operators. Additionally, data from Oceana, a non-profit organization, reveals rampant illegal commercial fishing within the municipal waters of various municipalities, including Zamboanga City and Cuyo, Palawan. This resolution comes in response to a recent 2023 decision by the Malabon Regional Trial Court that allowed Mercidar Fishing Corporation to fish within municipal waters, excluding areas below seven fathoms. The court deemed certain provisions of the Fisheries Code unconstitutional.Manuel emphasizes the detrimental impact this decision could have, not only on the livelihood of small-scale fishers but also on the overall health of the environment and marine resources. He urges fellow lawmakers to heed the concerns raised by fisherfolk organizations and advocates. Oceana, one of the groups that petitioned the Supreme Court to intervene in Mercidar's case, welcomes the resolution filed by the progressive lawmakers, stating that the Supreme Court ruling, if finalized, would hinder progress toward science-based solutions for the declining state of Philippine fisheries and marine resources. Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez has commented on the Supreme Court's dismissal of the government's petition due to late filing, stating that while this is the general rule, the Supreme Court has often made exceptions when public interest is at stake.
COMMERCIAL FISHING MUNICIPAL WATERS FISHERFOLK MARINE RESOURCES ENVIRONMENT
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