PH fishery exports to EU seen rising

The Department of Agriculture expects more fishery exports to the European Union (EU), now that it has removed the Philippines from the list of countries challenged with the implementation of measures to address illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The Philippines exports more than P8 billion worth of fish products to the EU yearly.

The DA welcomed the EU’s decision as formal recognition of its efforts to put an end to unsustainable fishing practices that compromised not only the country’s marine resources but also the long-term livelihood of about 1.8 million fishery stakeholders.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala stressed that the government’s initiatives to curb IUU fishing were aligned with international agreements, regional obligations and global market requirements.

“The country’s effort against IUU fishing is anchored on its commitment as a member of the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO), which adopted the International Plan of Action (IPOA) to prevent, deter and eliminate IUUF,” Alcala said.

In line with this commitment, the Philippines formally adopted a National Plan of Action (NPOA) through Executive Order No. 154 in 2013, he added.

As the Philippines joins the ranks of cooperating countries in the global fight against IUU fishing, the government expects more “flourishing trade relations” with the EU that would eventually benefit the whole fishery sector, Alcala said.

The European Commission said in a statement on its website, “Today, the European Commission has revoked the warning yellow card issued to the Philippines in June 2014 regarding measures to fight illegal fishing. The EU acknowledges Philippines’ efforts to partner up with us in fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.”