𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗥𝗬 𝗦𝗨𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗟, 𝗖𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗲 𝗢𝗿𝗼 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 (July 12) – Board members, government representatives, and key stakeholders of the Fisheries Management Area 9 (FMA-9) convened here to discuss crucial steps to bolster the fisheries and aquatic resources within Bohol Sea during their 2nd Quarter meeting.

Presided by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10’s (BFAR-10) Director, Edward B. Yasay, the meeting commenced with a comprehensive presentation on the ongoing World Bank-funded Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency Project (FishCoRe).

The board was presented with a strategic action plan designed to enhance the resilience of fisheries stocks and other coastal assets through the project’s Fisheries and Coastal Resilient Resource Planning and Management (FISHCRRM) which includes the protection of the FMA’s marine ecosystems and ensure sustainable fishing practices through development of management plans and translate it to policies.

FISHCRRM Regional Project Implementation Unit Lead, Atty. Roland B. Intud, emphasized the component’s view to maximizing ecological and socioeconomic benefits and building resilience in coastal communities.

“Under this component (FSHCRRM) we have three sub-components to implement. Specifically, the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management Planning and Institutions, Aquaculture Development and Management, and the Strengthening Management of Coastal Resources in Municipal Waters, with each sub-component complementary to the two others,” elaborated Atty. Intud.

Further, the conference highlighted the introduction of advanced technologies and livelihood opportunities for coastal communities by providing appropriate needs of the beneficiaries to improve the economic status of fisherfolk while reducing environmental impact as part of the Modern and Resilient Livelihood Investments (MARLIN) component.

“This component (MARLIN) of the FishCoRe project aims to enhance the economic value of fisheries and aquaculture to fishing communities through strategic and climate-resilient investments to reduce postharvest losses, expand aquaculture production, and add value to fisheries production,” explained Ibrahim Sanggoyod, MARLIN Regional Project Implementation Unit Lead.

Sanggoyod presented a range of possible interventions like infrastructure projects, facilities, alternative livelihood grants, vocational training programs, and technical assistance covered by the MARLIN to provide unique livelihood opportunities for fisherfolk beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, a draft Sardine Fisheries Management Plan was also presented to the body, targeting to address both conservation needs and the economic importance of sardines to the local fisheries industry. (𝘾𝙇𝙑𝙞𝙖𝙟𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚//𝘽𝙁𝘼𝙍-10)