The Philippines harbors a rich diversity of fishery resources, with numerous species inhabiting various ecosystems, from coral reefs to deep-sea environments. This biodiversity plays a crucial role in supporting local livelihoods and maintaining the ecological balance of marine habitats. However, to ensure sustainable use of these aquatic resources, comprehensive data is essential. Key scientific information, including fish catch statistics and biological details, is critical for developing and implementing effective management strategies.

To formulate policies and management options for the sustainable production of marine resources, there is a need to provide information and establish the status of the country’s fishery resources.

NSAP as NFRDI’s flagship program

To provide reliable and standardized information for the effective management of the country’s marine resources, the DA-NFRDI implements the National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) in collaboration with the regional offices of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) nationwide, and across various production stages.

It is designed to generate specific and periodic data on capture fisheries, making it an indispensable tool that contributes to the scientific baseline for effective management interventions of the country’s aquatic resources at both national and local levels.

This scientific baseline data is used to develop guidelines for establishing harvest control rules (HCRs) for different species. HCRs set catch limits to ensure sustainable fishing and protect fish populations, adjusting these limits based on the current health of fish stocks to balance fishing activities with conservation needs.

NSAP adopts a holistic approach through the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM), which emphasizes responsible fishing practices. This approach considers the human dimension of society and promotes balanced and sustainable use of resources, ensuring health of marine ecosystems while supporting the livelihoods of communities that rely on these resources.

Data-driven decisions for sustainability

The time-series fish catch and effort data are primarily recorded in raw forms at all BFAR regional offices. While this data is not in electronic format, access and analysis of these raw records provide an independent measure of resource status and can generate historical baselines for restoration and management.

NSAP collects data from 742 landing sites across the Philippines, providing a comprehensive overview of the nation’s fisheries. It evaluates the stock status of various fish species in specific fishing grounds over time, identifying trends and changes in fish populations.

The detailed data is crucial for the effective management and strengthening of the 12 Fishery Management Areas (FMAs) in the country. It enables policymakers and fisheries managers to make informed decisions and craft science-based regulations on conservation measures and resource allocation.

The 12 FMAs are strategically established across different regions to enhance the management and conservation of fishery resources while ensuring sustainable fishing practices. They facilitate the assessment, monitoring, and regulation of fish stocks and habitats, maintaining a balance between fishing activities and marine ecosystem health.

To ensure accurate data collection and recording, a standard NSAP method is followed. The publication, National Stock Assessment Program: The Philippine Capture Fisheries Atlas, launched in 2017, serves as a comprehensive guide for data enumerators in implementing NSAP across regions.

Additionally, the NSAP database system was developed as a national platform for all regional NSAP efforts, allowing for easy exchange and validation of information. The system enhances fish catch and effort monitoring by providing an efficient method for storing and managing time-series raw data. The ultimate goal of the database is to develop effective strategies for fisheries management interventions throughout the country.

Ultimately, NSAP’s efforts contribute to the long-term sustainability of the fisheries sector, ensuring the resilience of fish stocks and the livelihoods of communities dependent on these vital resources.

Closed fishing seasons

One of the most notable contributions of NSAP is the establishment of successful seasonal fishing closures for pelagic species. This being implemented by DA-BFAR and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) through its various local government units (LGUs). These closures have been proven effective that they are now being replicated in various regions across the country.

According to the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1988, a closed fishing season refers to a designated period during which the capture of certain fish species using specified gear is prohibited in certain areas.

A key example of a nationwide closed fishing season based on NSAP results is the closure for managing roundscad, locally known as galunggong, in Northern Palawan. This three-month closed season, which runs from November 1 to January 31 every year, is established under DA-DILG Joint Administrative Order No. 1, Series of 2015, titled “Establishment of a Closed Season for the Conservation of Galunggong (Roundscad; Decapterus spp.) in Northern Palawan.” This initiative aligns with Republic Act No. 8550, as amended by R.A. No. 10654 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.

The management measure in Northern Palawan aims to temporarily ban the catching of galunggong during its breeding season, allowing the population to replenish and grow, thereby ensuring long-term sustainability.

A report from NSAP 4B (MIMAROPA) indicated that after seven years of periodic closures (2015-2022) of commercial fishing activities, there was a significant increase in annual catch, rising from 453.89 metric tons (MT) to 1,146 MT from ring net, purse seine, and bagnet fishing from 2015 to 2021.

The report also noted a slight increase in the proportion of spawners, from 15 percent in 2016 to 17 percent in 2019. However, there was a slight decrease in the length at first maturity, dropping from 17.2 cm to 17.1 cm during the same period. Additionally, data revealed an increasing trend in the percentage of roundscad catch, rising from 15 percent to 44 percent from 2015 to 2020, along with a high percentage of small fish caught in Southern Palawan following the closed season.

Furthermore, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) reported a rising trend in the volume of roundscad production unloaded from Palawan waters from 2016 to 2021.

With these accomplishments, NSAP stands as a milestone initiative of NFRDI, exemplifying how scientific research and data-driven approaches can effectively inform and shape policies for sustainable marine resource management. By collecting and analyzing vital data from various fishing grounds, NSAP provides essential insights that guide decision-makers in formulating strategies that balance ecological health with the economic needs of fishing communities.

Through its commitment to scientific rigor and collaboration with stakeholders, NSAP not only enhances understanding of fish stocks but also plays a crucial role in developing effective management options that ensure the long-term viability of marine resources.

As a way forward, NSAP’s contributions will be instrumental in promoting responsible fishing practices, safeguarding marine biodiversity, and fostering the resilience of communities that rely on fishery resources for their livelihoods. ### (Rita dela Cruz)