PH seeks 5-year extension of fishing access

The Philippines is looking to secure a five-year extension of its fishing access to the tuna-rich high seas pocket 1 (HSP1) of the Pacific Ocean that set to expire this year, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said.

“We want at least five years. We have to generate income, employment and economic activities. We would like to continue that situation and we will negotiate with the commission,” BFAR Director Eduardo Gongona said during the 14th Regular Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) being held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City this week.

WCPFC is a regional fisheries management organization built to address problems in the management of high seas fisheries. Its commission is expected to come up with a decision by the end of the week.

The country was granted fishing access to the area in 2012 and this was eventually extended after it was ruled that the country was adhering to responsible fishing practices.

According to Gongona, the opening of HSP1 remained to be exclusive to the Philippines, which is seen to revitalize the tuna industry.