The first-ever Handline Fisheries Improvement Project (FIP) in General Santos City has finally set foot to start.
Piloting the FIP are the associations of SARGEN Fish Port Tuna Handline Fishing Association (SARGEN Handline) and Fresh Frozen Seafood Association of the Philippines, Inc. (FFSAPI). The project focuses on the Yellowfin and Big-eye Tuna Fishery in the Philippine Fisheries Management Areas 2 and 3.
Handline Fishery Aims to be MSC Certified
FIP aims to advance fisheries by constructing fisheries improvement plans and securing international eco-labelling certifications and standards such as the Marine Stewardship Council Certification, or MSC, the so-called golden fisheries standard at present. This certification represents a fishery that is sustainable, safeguarded, and well-managed.
Handline fishing is known to be the most sustainable method of fishing. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), tuna handline fishing has a lesser impact on the marine environment as it is done through a highly selective method of targeting and catching large and mature tuna that have already produced eggs.
Memorandum of Agreement Signed
The Department of Agriculture- Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources recognizes the significance of sustainable fisheries, protecting the marine ecosystem, and supporting the livelihood of thousands of Filipinos dependent on the fishery.
This project will help strengthen the city’s fishing industry, and promote more opportunities for our tuna processors and exporters to expand their markets, not just locally but internationally as well.
Thus, in full support of the industry, DA-BFAR, together with SARGEN Handline and FFSAPI as the prime movers of the FIP Project, and SFFAII as a federation representing the fishing private sector, entered into a Memorandum of Agreement held on September 15, 2021, at the East Asia Royale Hotel, General Santos City. The MOA is a pledge of commitment by these organizations to advance their fisheries advocacy towards sustainability and global competitiveness.
The Goal
Conserving and preserving our fishery is our vision; maintaining our fishery to be sustainable, safeguarded, and well-managed is our mission. General Santos City, the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, is about to unfold another historic win in the next 5 years.
Altogether, let us help ensure healthy oceans for present and future generations.
