The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing & Allied Industries, Inc (SFFAI) organized another 4-day Capacity Building Workshop for the 4th Batch of Commercial Tuna Handliners at London Beach Resort and Hotel, General Santos City last November 28 – December 1, 2023.
Part of the workshop is the User Training on Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and Proper Reporting of catch in Electronic Report System (ERS). Over forty (40) Commercial Tuna Handliners underwent the said training which is a crucial part of the Fishery Improvement Program (FIP).
Facilitated by Ms. Maria Joy Mabanglo, the participants were enlightened about the importance and functions of VMS & ERS. Ms. Mabanglo explained that it is mandated by law to install vessel monitoring system and have an electronic reporting system.
Ms. Mabanglo discussed the system data flows, how Vessel Monitoring System works, what information are being sent by the ERS unit, and the frequency of data sending. In addition, she explained that VMS is a satellite-based system that provides data such as location, speed, course, and other activities of fishing vessels at regular intervals of time.
Lastly, Ms. Mabanglo explained that Electronic Reporting System is useful in providing data about the arrival and departure timings of ships such as cargo vessels and commercial fishing vessels to the port authorities. She also mentioned that the system enables the authorities to take the necessary actions in case of any violation of code by any of the vessels and that the data from the ERS is also collected by fishing authorities and it is made sure that the vessels are following all international fishing regulations and are within fishing limits.
