Tuna handline fishing act signed into law

The local tuna handline fishing and other allied industries got a major boost following the enactment of the Handline Fishing Law which was recently signed by President Arroyo.

The law, which is an important step towards promoting competitiveness, sustainability and development of the tuna fishing industry, was a consolidation of Senate Bill 2522 sponsored by Sen. Ramon Magsaysay Jr. and House Bill 4067 sponsored by Rep. Luis Villafuerte.

The passage of the law was strongly supported by lawmakers including Senators Manuel Villar, Mar Roxas, Rodolfo Biazon, Pia Cayetano, Jinggoy Estrada, Alfredo Lim, Reps. Benasing Macarambon Jr., Darlene Antonino-Custodio, Alfredo Marañon III, Federico Sandoval II, and Joel Virador.

Handline fishing is a traditional method that makes use of a single hook and line – a passive fishing gear to catch fish. The method is considered both environmentally safe and practical in terms of fish resource management.

Magsaysay said handline fishing for large tunas is an important component of the Mindanao economy, particularly SOCSARGEN region. It employs about 150,000 fishermen, and its direct revenue to them exceeds P4.5 billion.

"The law will bridge the gap created by the Fisheries Code of 1998. It aims to set the framework of rules and regulations to strengthen the sector," Magsaysay said.

The senator explained that "this will address the requirements of Philippine regulations with the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission in enabling our country’s responsibility in assuring that the handline fishing vessels are properly registered and licensed to fish outside its waters. It will also further establish our credibility as producer of world class, high grade tuna."

Magsaysay stressed that "tuna is valued fish and is being exported heavily in their value-added form like sashimi, smoked fish and other commercial products in the United States, Europe and Japanese markets."

The law, he said, will lay the framework to make the Philippines handline fishing and handline fishing vessels local regulatory system compliant with international fishing conventions and ensure that our handline vessels will have continuous access to international waters.