Journal Issue Volume 30 Issue 2 Ensuring Aquatic Food Security in the Philippines

Policy Brief

Ensuring Aquatic Food Security in the Philippines

Rollan C. Geronimo2, Antonio Samuel S. Mamauag2,3, Juan A. Silva4,5,6, Roquelito H. Mancao7, Michael P. Atrigenio8

1 Marine Biology and Aquaculture, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
2 Marine Environment and Resources Foundation, Inc., The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
3 Biology Department, College of Science, De La Salle University, Taft Ave., Manila, Philippines
4 Coastal Solutions Fellows Program, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA
5 Fundación Refugia, Sector Huilquicura-Santa Rita, Ruta N-114 S/N, Cobquecura, Región del Ñuble, Chile
6 Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB), Victoria 631, Barrio Universitario, Concepción, Región del Biobío, Chile
7 Rare Philippines, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
8 The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines

Page 298-313 | Received 15 Sep 2022, Accepted 11 Sep 2023

Key Points

The human population of the Philippines is expected to reach 158 million by the year 2050, or an increase of 37% relative to 2022. This implies increased demand for aquatic food (or “fish” hereafter). This begs the question of whether the Philippines can meet the expected increase in fish demand. We estimate that even if the Philippines can maintain its current fish production, the Philippines will still require 1.67 million metric tons more fish per year by 2050 to at least maintain its current per capita fish consumption of 34.27 kg per year. Continued mismanagement of inland and marine fisheries will further widen the gap in fish supply. However, we argue that simultaneously rebuilding overfished fisheries, restoring degraded habitats crucial to supporting productive fisheries, addressing current threats to fisheries sustainability, and expanding sustainable marine aquaculture (or mariculture) have the potential to meet future fish demand in the Philippines. Sustainably expanding mariculture requires careful siting and management of mariculture development areas so that mariculture can improve food security without disenfranchising and marginalizing local coastal communities.


Keywords: Food security, inland and marine fisheries, aquaculture, mariculture, Sustainable Development Goals, Philippines