The following topics were covered during the meeting:
Activity Updates:
Notable strides were made in recent activities, shaping a trajectory of success and progress of the project.
Capacity Building Updates:
Empowering our fishermen through knowledge and skill enhancement remains a priority. Past and upcoming capacity-building initiatives are also presented.
Vessel Enrolment Requirements Status:
Ensuring compliance, the group was updated that 60 out of 68 commercial vessels have VMS installed, while municiapl boats will have them next year. The group also presented possible innovative Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and Electronic Reporting System (ERS) options to elevate our tracking capabilities and promote responsible fishing practices for municipal boats.
Catch Landing Reporting Workflow:
Based on the agreement with BFAR, a streamlined catch landing reporting workflow for vessels unloading and not unloading in Gensan Fishport to enhance accuracy and timeliness in data submission.
IUU Hotline:
Combatting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing through an accessible hotline from BFAR was announced, reinforcing the commitment to a sustainable and lawful fishing environment.
FMA Social Media Page:
To establish connection with stakeholders, a dedicated social media platform which will ensiure presence, fostering engagement and awareness about fisheries management efforts in FMA3 was also launched.
Reconstitution of NTIC and NTMP Review:
The reconstitution of the National Tuna Industry Council (NTIC) was also updated. The National Tuna Management Plan (NTMP) review is underway, ensuring its alignment with evolving industry dynamics and sustainability goals.
Actions on the Appeal for Harvest Control Rules Development:
A letter of appeal was resent to WCPFC and BFAR for consideration in the WCPFC Regular meeting on December.
Social FIP:
Timeline of the social FIP project was presented, as well as collaborations with ILO and Tambuyog.
