Filipino fishermen are grappling with declining fish catches in the West Philippine Sea as geopolitical tensions, rising fuel prices, and climate conditions like El Niño took a toll. The Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, which is being claimed by China, has experienced a significant drop in fish catch, as reflected in official statistics.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that fish catch during the first half of the year fell by 6.78 percent, from 108,392.48 metric tons last year to 101,039.54 metric tons this year. Both the first and second quarters reported declines, with a sharper drop in the first three months.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), in an email in response to Maritime Fairtrade, identified several factors contributing to the decline, including geopolitical tensions over territorial disputes, reduced fishing efforts due to high fuel costs, and the adverse effects of climate change.
BFAR also highlighted the impact of El Niño, high temperatures, and gale warnings from January to February, exacerbated by the southwest monsoon.
Government ramps up efforts amid declining fish catch
To mitigate dwindling fish catch in the disputed waters from January to June, BFAR has intensified efforts to address the issue.
“BFAR is exhausting all necessary measures to address this concern through the implementation of relevant programs,” BFAR’s spokesperson Nazario Briguera told Maritime Fairtrade.
BFAR’s initiatives include the Livelihood Activities to Enhance Fisheries Yields and Economic Gains from the West Philippine Sea (LAYAG-WPS) program, which provides fuel subsidies, livelihood support, and post-harvest interventions to fisherfolk in the contested waters.
The program also focuses on equipping municipal fisherfolk with larger boats, efficient fishing gear, and training to boost their capacity and enhance the blue economy.
“For 2024, the BFAR has allocated PHP1.5 billion (US$26.6 million) worth of funds for the procurement of more floating vessels, which will serve multiple purposes,” Briguera said.
According to Briguera, these vessels include two units of 50-meter steel-hulled multi-mission offshore vessels and one 80-meter steel-hulled multi-purpose refrigerated cargo vessel.
“This is to improve its capacity in terms of monitoring, control, and surveillance of fishing grounds,” Briguera explained.
Filipino fishermen. Photo credit: BFAR
Philippine fish market. Photo credit: Department of Agriculture
Geopolitical impacts on fisherfolk livelihoods
In recent years, fisherfolk in the Philippines are facing significant challenges due to geopolitical tensions in the disputed waters.
The fishers’ group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas reported a dramatic 60 percent income loss for fishermen near Panatag Shoal in July after China imposed a unilateral four-month fishing ban in the South China Sea.
The group noted that the presence of Chinese vessels has intensified since the ban took effect, severely disrupting local fishing activities. Although there have been no direct confrontations, the overwhelming presence of Chinese vessels has hindered regular fishing operations in the region.
Furthermore, a report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies revealed that 21,000 acres of coral reefs, primarily in the South China Sea, have been destroyed, with China responsible for much of the damage.
This environmental degradation further threatens the livelihoods of fisherfolk who rely on the West Philippine Sea for their catch.
More than 315,000 fishers from coastal regions near the West Philippine Sea, including the Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, and Mimaropa, rely on its resources for their livelihood. These areas benefit from fishing activities in the contested waters, which remain a crucial source of income and sustenance for the communities.
Fishermen from Navotas and Pag-asa Island have reported a significant decrease in their catch, with some being driven away from rich fishing grounds by Chinese vessels.
Efforts to support fisherfolk and maintain market stability
BFAR is working to address these challenges by deploying more floating assets to strengthen monitoring, control, and surveillance efforts in affected areas.
Despite the decline in fish catch from the West Philippine Sea, Briguera assured that the overall fish supply and prices in local markets remain stable due to alternative sources like aquaculture.
“The supply in Metro Manila has been sufficient, and it did not affect pricing, as there are many fishing grounds in the country,” Briguera said.
Moreover, BFAR also confirmed that the upcoming closed fishing season, which runs from November 1 to January 1, will not impact holiday fish stocks. The agency continues to closely monitor prices in local markets to ensure stability during the festive season.
Top photo credit: BFAR. Fishermen in the West Philippine Sea accompanied by BFAR.
