A troubling decline in the Philippines’ fisheries output is raising alarms among ocean conservationists, who warn that the trend could lead to a food security crisis.

Oceana, an international ocean protection and conservation group, described the five percent drop in production as “highly disturbing”, noting that it has pushed fishery output to its lowest level in two decades.

Atty Gloria Estenzo Ramos, vice president of Oceana, cautioned that millions of small-scale fishers could lose their livelihoods, while coastal communities — where most rely on fishing for survival — face increased risks of malnutrition.

This comes after the Philippine Statistics Authority reported an 8.8 percent decline in marine municipal fisheries production, dropping from 879.96 thousand metric tons in 2023 to 802.77 thousand metric tons in 2024, the lowest since 2002.

Meanwhile, commercial fisheries output grew by 4.2 percent, reaching 857.33 thousand metric tons. This shift has further reduced the share of municipal fishers to just 19.8 percent of total fisheries production.

According to Oceana, climate change, habitat degradation, and pollution have already put marine fisheries in danger. However, the Supreme Court’s 1st Division resolution and the Malabon Regional Trial Court decision, if finalized, could worsen the situation by legalizing commercial fishing within the 15-kilometer municipal waters, an area historically reserved for small-scale fishers.

Illegal commercial fishing worsens the crisis

Oceana has warned that allowing large-scale commercial vessels into municipal waters would further deplete fish stocks and endanger the country’s marine biodiversity.

“Illegal commercial fishing inside municipal waters and overfishing have long plagued Philippine waters, depleting fish stocks and degrading marine ecosystems,” Ramos said.

“These practices threaten biodiversity and can trigger the collapse of essential fish populations. The unabated exploitation of these resources, often aggressive and destructive, endangers the future of our fisheries and the communities that rely on them,” she added.

Ramos said the 1987 Constitution, the Local Government Code, and the Fisheries Code reserve municipal waters for small-scale and municipal fishers to “protect their right to food and livelihood security”.

However, data from the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans shows that the court’s ruling could open more than 90 percent of municipal waters in 533 out of 884 coastal municipalities to commercial fishing, according to Ramos.

“Allowing commercial fishing in the 15-kilometer zone reserved for artisanal fisherfolk would have grave consequences,” Ramos said. 

“Artisanal fishers would have to compete with commercial fishing vessels equipped with advanced technology and more efficient gear. Their daily catch, which sustains their families and local markets, could drop significantly, forcing many into economic hardship and hunger.”

Small-scale Filipino fishermen. Photo credit: Bullit Marquez of Oceana

Government urged to take action

When asked about the biggest risks of allowing commercial fishing in municipal waters, Ramos told Maritime Fairtrade: “With the sad state of our overfished fisheries, our scientists are sounding the alarm on a possible collapse of fisheries, including those with high commercial value. If this happens, the socio-economic and ecological repercussions would be devastating.”

She also pointed to a critical question raised by Filipino marine biologist Dr Willie Campos: “Can the government afford to feed all the displaced fisherfolk and their hungry families? Science is providing the basis for not allowing more fishing pressures on our waters.”

Ramos urged the government to act decisively to protect small-scale fishers. “Require all fisheries management areas to submit an accurate report on the state of fisheries in their respective areas to the president to keep him informed. Many species are already beyond the limit reference points.”

“Our artisanal fishers know the solution: strictly enforce the ban on commercial fishing in municipal waters. Authorities must apprehend violators, file criminal and civil cases against them, and revoke the licenses of repeat offenders,” she said.

She also criticized the lack of transparency in vessel monitoring data. “The government is too soft on these violators. There’s no deterrence. Why isn’t the government sharing vessel monitoring data with enforcers, including coastal local government units? BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) can already track 90% of commercial fishing vessels. So why don’t enforcers have access to this data, which should deter illegal fishing?”

Ramos further stressed the need for stronger penalties against repeat offenders. “The list of repeat violators of our fisheries laws should be made public, and their licenses should be revoked. Why is this not being done? Public officials who tolerate illegal commercial fishing in their municipal waters should also be held accountable.”

She underscored the importance of science-based fisheries management. “Let’s fully implement the Fisheries Management Area system. Coastal local governments need resources and technical support from national agencies and stakeholders to ensure effective management.”

Ramos also highlighted the need for better post-harvest facilities to reduce fish waste and create alternative livelihood opportunities, preventing excessive pressure on marine resources.

When asked what urgent steps must be taken to prevent a food security crisis, Ramos pointed to proper enforcement of existing laws.

“We have enough laws, management frameworks, and development plans—implementation is a must. Government agencies, local governments, and stakeholders must collaborate closely. The good news is, this is happening in some areas, such as Samar and Southern Leyte,” she said.  

“Let’s walk the talk and really implement steps for a healthy and robust ocean to have healthy communities,” Ramos concluded.  

Supporting small-scale fishers

Meanwhile, the Negros Occidental provincial government has vowed to support small-scale fishers affected by the Supreme Court’s decision allowing commercial fishing in municipal waters.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson emphasized the importance of protecting the province’s municipal waters, which sustain over 45,000 marginalized fishers in 472 associations across 25 coastal cities and municipalities.

Lacson said the province, through integrated coastal resource management programs, is helping local fishing communities become responsible stewards of marine ecosystems by providing education, livelihood support, and conservation initiatives — ensuring food security, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable fisheries management.

He acknowledged that small-scale fishers remain one of the country’s most vulnerable sectors, facing threats from climate change, illegal fishing, and limited economic opportunities.

“As these challenges persist, we must uphold their preferential rights to municipal waters, allowing them to sustain their livelihoods while contributing to the nation’s food security,” he said in a statement. 

“We call upon our national leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to support our advocacy for safeguarding municipal waters for small-scale fishers,” Lacson added.

Top photo credit: BFAR Region 6. Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos, vice president of Oceana.