The Capiz Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force (PIATF) against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing is ramping up efforts to combat illegal fishing activities with new enforcement strategies and community-based livelihood initiatives.
Led by Provincial Fisheries Office Capiz Officer-in-Charge Edwin Candelario Javier, the PIATF unveiled a new provincial ordinance aligned with Governor Fredenil Castro’s push to protect marine resources and fisherfolk livelihoods.
Javier stressed the critical role of collaboration among national and local agencies to secure the future of Capiz’s fisheries.
Key updates included the 2024 Fishery Law Enforcement Achievements, new operational plans to address trawl fishing threats, and the launch of the Aton Mangunguma, Mangingisda kag Mamumugon Organisahon Manggad nga Dapat Amligan (AMOMA) Project.
The AMOMA Project is a P90-million program aimed at organizing fisherfolks and boosting alternative income sources.
Law enforcement agencies also reported major gains including the 69 IUU fishing-related apprehensions and the case filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also intensified inspections and patrols.
The local government units (LGUs) of Roxas City, Sapian, and Ivisan also strengthened regulation enforcement, boat registrations, and illegal fishing crackdowns.
Alvin Beltran of PFO Capiz revealed a 49% drop in the Visayan Sea’s fisheries production over the past decade, largely due to destructive fishing practices.
Erwin E. Ilaya—chief of BFAR’s Fisheries Management, Regulatory, and Enforcement Division (FMRED)—called for urgent regulatory action, stronger livelihood support, and community engagement to reverse the trend in the Visayan Sea.
The task force agreed on recommendations including deputizing more fish wardens, harmonizing local and national efforts, and strengthening enforcement and economic solutions to sustain Capiz’s fisheries.
Partners who also attended the recent task force meeting included PCG Capiz Commander Edison Diaz; PNP-MARPSTA Police Captain Semdan V. Sitchon; Capiz Provincial Bantay Dagat Coordinator Glen Beup; Roxas City Agriculturist Mary Ann Baria; Ivisan Fisheries Technician Nelly Delaguna; Sapian Municipal Agriculturist Deodith Grace Baticbatic; CaPENRO Chief Ronald Allan Cullo; and Provincial Fisheries Coordinator Joey Dela Cruz. (BFAR-6)
