BFAR science group enhances Batanes fisheries’ management
THE Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) of Fisheries Management Area 1 (FMA 1) is actively enhancing the management of key species in the Batanes waters sub-FMA.
This was highlighted in a workshop that took place on the island province of Batanes from March 18-20, 2024, focused on drafting Harvest Control Rules and Measures for Key Species in Batanes Waters.
Angel Encarnacion, regional director of the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley), said the workshop promotes collaboration and highlights the commitment to sustainable fisheries management in the region.
Encarnacion is also the chairman of the FMA 1 Management Board, which had achieved a high score of 35/40 in implementing FMA activities, partly because of Scientific Advisory driving effective FMA implementation.
The workshop’s drafted rules and measures will be presented to the FMA 1 Management Board for approval, forming part of the comprehensive FMA plan for sustainable resource management in the Batanes Waters sub-FMA.
During the workshop, SAG Chairman Melanie Villarao presented the current status of important species in the sub-FMA. Resource speakers assisted in prioritizing and classifying key species, and provided guidance on reference points, harvest control rules and harvest control measures. Among them were Jose Ingles, fisheries consultant at Regenerative Aquaculture and Policy Reform of Environmental Defense Fund, and Jimely Flores, seasoned fisheries and marine scientist, with 30 years’ experience under his belt.
Workshop participants were composed of stakeholders from various sectors in Batanes, sectoral representatives from the SAG, DA-BFAR of Cagayan Valley, National Stock Assessment Program project leaders and focal analysts.