As coastal communities in the Philippines recently witnessed an abundance of sardines washing ashore on Samal Island, Sarangani, and previously in Masbate, Oceana, an international advocacy organization, calls for immediate action to harness these events for the benefit of local fisherfolk. Oceana is urging the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and local government units (LGUs) to swiftly implement the National Sardines Management Plan (NSMP) to not only determine the cause of these beachings but also to provide crucial post-harvest and market support that could transform this natural bounty into sustainable income for local fisherfolk.

Oceana calls for sustainable sardine harvesting support. (2024, March 5). Daily Guardian, pp. 1, 11.