Talim Bay Coastal Resources Management Project

The Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) sought audience last February 2016 with Honorable Isagani Bolompo, Municipal Mayor of Lian, Batangas and Mr. Alvin Jonson, Head of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) to reiterate provisions of the new Philippine Fisheries Code (Republic Act 10654) specific to Regulations on Municipal Fisheries.

In a position paper submitted to the Local Chief Executive by Mr. Joseph Rosal, Manager of the University Community Engagement and Development (UCED) Program, a unit of the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) implementing the Talim Bay Coastal Resources Management Project, he reiterates the following provisions of the said code:

1). Unauthorized fishing (Section 86);

2). Fishing through Explosives, Noxious or Poisonous Substance or Electricity (Section 92);

3). Use of fine mesh net (Section 93);

4). Fishing in Overexploited Fishery Management Areas (Section 94); and

5). Use of active fishing gears in Municipal Waters, Bays, and other Fishery Management Areas (Section 95);

6). Fishing in Marine Protected Areas, Fishery Reserves Refuge and Sanctuaries (Section 101).

The document serves to remind the Local Government Unit to strictly adhere to these provisions to ensure the continued productivity of Talim Bay and the rest of the municipal waters of Lian, these despite the challenges faced by the local reef system from the effects of coral bleaching and incidents of illegal fishing. By citing the key sections of the law, the paper reiterates the need for the major stakeholders in municipal fishing to be vigilant and consistent in the implementation of the said legal instrument.

The visit and the submitted document ultimately serves as an assurance that the project being implemented by COSCA is and will continue to provide technical support to the Municipality and its line agencies in its efforts to conserve, protect and sustainably utilize the natural resources of Lian.

COSCA together with the LGU and the Kingfisher Association are instrumental in the establishment of several Marine Protected Areas in the said bay and have encouraged the participation of substantial number volunteers from public and private institutions to join activities on Mangrove Forest Restoration and the Reef Appreciation.