Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 10) — An industry group saw the Palace’s decision halting the monitoring of commercial fishing vessels in the country as a “bright move” to bolster local production.
In a statement over the weekend, Inter-Island and Deep Sea Fishing Association (IDSFA) director Roderic Santos said the latest development would help the sector bounce back, which has been “severely affected” by the Philippines’ dependence on fish imports and surging fuel prices triggered by the Ukraine-Russia war.Amid oil hikes, Santos noted, fisher folk have been allotting 40% to 50% of their total operational costs for fuel. Spending only ranged from 20% to 30% before the tension between Ukraine and Russia began.The suspension of FAO 266 is a bright move as it would definitely boost the country’s fish production, which is important in attaining food security,” Santos said.FAO (Fisheries Administrative Order) 266 limits fish production in the Philippines while the country resorts to massive importation,” he added.The order, issued by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in 2020, required all commercial fishing operators to install satellite transponders so that they can be tracked and for them to report their catch.Last March, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin ordered government agencies to suspend the implementation of the FAO.
