President Marcos escalated the government's effort to conserve and develop the country’s marine resources through the closure or restrictions of commercial fishing in 13 more fishing grounds and sanctuary. One of these is Maqueda Bay, Villareal Bay and part of Zumarraga Channel.
Similar work as presented in this paper are being undertaken it the following areas: Manila Bay, Cavite side; Panguil Bay, Misamis Occidental and Lanao; Sorsogon Bay, Sorsogon; Pagapas Bay, Batangas; Tinagong Dagat Bay, Capiz; San Miguel Bay, Camarines Sur, Bantayan Islands, Cebu; Lingayen Gulf, Pangasinan; San Pedro Bay, Leyte; Acid Gulf, Masbate; Polillo Islands, Quezon; and Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro.
The concern over the economic consequence of excessive fishing in Maqueda Bay, Villareal Bay and part of Zumarraga Channel is jointly shared by both the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the fishermen in the area. The lack of systematic is management may lead to uncontrolled exploitation and depletion of fishery resources which may ultimately result in economic difficulties for the fishermen in this region.