A total of 26 participants from 16 state universities and colleges (SUCs) and higher education institutions (HEIs) were trained on ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM) at Park Inn by Radisson in Iloilo City on November 14-18, 2022.
The training was organized by the Marine Resources Research Division of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
The training provides basic knowledge on the ecosystem approach to fisheries management process. This approach represents fisheries management systems that focus on systems and decision-making processes that balance environmental well-being with human and social well-being within good governance.
SUCs and HEIs that participated include Central Luzon State University, Batangas State University, Partido State University, Mariano Marcos State University, Sorsogon State University, Samar State University, Capiz State University, Carlos Hilado Memorial State University, , Negros Oriental State University , University of the Philippines Visayas , Aklan State University, Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology, Davao del Norte State College , Davao Oriental State University, Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, and Mindanao State University – Tawi-tawi College of Technology and Oceanography. he following topics were discussed during the five-day training: threats and issues in fisheries; fisheries management and the ecosystem approach; the definition and importance of EAFM; principles and fundamentals of EAFM; EAFM plans/processes-the link between policy and action; design/implementation; constraints and opportunities; and management actions and compliance that were designed to prepare and implement an EAFM plan for their specific region as well as to assist in decision-making for responsible and sustainable fisheries in the country. A case study on sustainable fisheries management was also included in the discussion.
The major highlights of the training were the presentation of the action plans of the three groups – “Talakitok,” “Samaral,” and Tuna” – that are for possible implementation in their area. Although the groups are composed of different regions, the presentation showed their eagerness to implement fisheries management projects in their area.
The participants shared how grateful they were for this training and they plan to re-echo what they have learned; including it as a component of the academic programs of the university; and in drafting an EAFM plan for their respective areas in further consultation with other stakeholders.
The training activities have provided opportunities for knowledge, ideas, and personal experience sharing among the participants as well as the resource persons, which are related to the effective management of our fisheries resources.
Resource persons of the training included Dr. Romeo Cabungcal of the Provincial Agriculture Office of Palawan who served as the lead, Prof. Floredel Galon of Palawan State University, Dr. Wilfredo Campos of the UP Visayas, and Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, Director of the Marine Resources Research Division of PCAARRD.