RP no longer world's 'fish power' due to climate change

BALER, Aurora, Philippines – The Philippines has lost its once lofty status as a major source of fish catch owing to destructive fishing methods and climate change, with the world’s fish catch even teetering on the brink of collapse.

Sen. Edgardo Angara told The STAR that from being the eighth most productive source of fisheries in the world and third in the production of seaweeds and other aquatic plants, the country’s once-lofty status has plummeted with the rapid decline in fish catches.

“For many years, we have been a fish power in the world because of our rich and abundant marine species. But this is now a thing of the past. Unless we apply modern technology and modern science to conserve our fish stocks, our supply of fish will continue to dissipate,” he said.

Angara, a former agriculture secretary, said that during a recent speaking engagement before the Philippine Shrimp Industry (PhilShrimp) Congress, he sounded the alarm on the dwindling fish catches. He said even the Canadian Fisheries University reported that one-third of the world’s fish stocks has already “collapsed” or been reduced to less than 10 percent due to massive fishing.”

The senator who hails from this capital town, a known fishing hub, said industry experts have warned that if nothing is done to arrest the problem, the world’s fish stock will collapse completely by 2050.”

He said those in the fishing industry, particularly fisherfolks, can help arrest the problem by refraining from using destructive fishing methods and focus instead on sustainable fishing practices.

“The use of dynamite and other destructive methods has resulted to lower fish catch and marine degradation,” he said.

Angara also called for more research and development (R&D) initiatives to develop new technologies and unique approaches to catching fish.