Clarkfield, Pampanga — The Management Body (MB) of the Fisheries Management Area 6 (FMA 6) convened its first regular meeting for the year to deliberate on key policy instruments, adopt science-based technical recommendations, and evaluate ongoing fisheries governance initiatives within the area.
Presided over by BFAR 3 Director Wilfredo Cruz, Chairperson of the FMA 6 MB, the meeting brought together representatives from member regions, the FMA 6 Secretariat, the Scientific Advisory Group and technical support from FishCoRe including from the National Project Management Office (NPMO).
One of the highlights of the meeting was the adoption of the updated FMA 6 Fisheries Management Plan (FMP), encompassing strategic interventions for 𝘋𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘶𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴 (mackerel scad) and other small pelagic stocks. The updated FMP integrates harvest controls, ecosystem indicators, and participatory enforcement strategies aligned with the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) framework.
The body likewise approved the proposed Harvest Strategy for 𝘚𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘢 𝘵𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘪𝘭 (lizardfish), which defines measurable reference points, performance indicators, and pre-agreed management actions based on stock assessments and stakeholder inputs. The strategy will be subjected to further validation before endorsement at the national level.
Under the FishCoRe project, Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) updates were presented on the piloting of AIS-VMS vessel tracking system hybrid units with integrated SOS functionality, specifically designed for small-scale municipal fishing vessels. These are expected to enhance vessel tracking, fisher safety, and real-time data acquisition to support enforcement and compliance monitoring. Additionally, project-led initiatives for IUU detection in Lingayen Gulf, were also reported.
Other notable suggestions included the conduct of a livelihood profiling and socio-economic survey to inform the design of alternative livelihood programs, application of satellite-based tools and Google Earth for site validation and catch enumeration monitoring, and vessel design and registration compliance.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all members to uphold the principles of adaptive management, stakeholder inclusivity, and transparency in the implementation of FMA 6’s fisheries management framework.
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