Addressing the knowledge gap on the use of FADs in handline fishing, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is spearheading a study on Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) and their impact on bycatch, endangered, threatened, and protected species (ETP) within Fisheries Management Areas 2 and 3.
To solidify their commitment to the project, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed on May 16, 2024, in General Santos City. Signatories included the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), represented by Mr. Napoleon Salvador Lamarca, Chief of the Marine Fisheries Development Center; the SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc. (SFFAII), represented by President Kenrick Teng; the SARGEN Fishport Tuna Handline Fishing Association (SARGEN Handline), represented by Mercedes Ong; and the Fresh Frozen Seafood Association of the Philippines, Inc. (FFSAPI), represented by President Emma Garay.
It can be recalled that in September 2023, SFFAII requested the BFAR to conduct a study on the utilization of FADs in tuna handline fishing operations in FMA 2 and 3 to assess its impact on the habitat, provide essential information for policy recommendation.
The project entitled: Assessment of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) on Bycatch, Endangered, Threatened and Protected Species (ETP) within Fisheries Management Areas 2 and 3, aimed to provide information on the implications and impact of FADs on the fishery and ecosystem as a whole.
Through the project, fisheries managers will deploy observers onboard to gather trustworthy data straight from fishing vessels. This information is vital for monitoring fishing activities, assessing fish populations, and enforcing regulations.
Overall, this project will assess the scope of this problem within the designated Fisheries Management Areas. The findings will be crucial for informing fisheries management practices and promoting sustainable fishing activities within these areas.
