Commercial fishing in municipal waters remains prevalent nationwide because of the sheer size of coastal waters needed to be monitored by police and coast guard personnel, including local Bantay Dagat patrols. Monitoring commercial fishing, whether in municipal waters or open seas, would have been systematic and effective had the provision on vessel monitoring mechanism (VMM) under the amended fisheries code been adopted and implemented two years ago, according to environmentalist groups and fisherfolk. The implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 10654 – amending RA 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 – signed on Sept. 22, 2015, requires that VMM technology be installed in all commercial fishing vessels at least 3.1 gross tons. Under the IRR, and within one year from effectivity, the DA-BFAR should determine the appropriate vessel monitoring technology and corresponding schedule to cover the vessels from 3.1-30 gross tonnage, upon consultation with stakeholders.

Non-issuance of vessel monitoring policy induces illegal fishing. (2018, August 23). The Philippine Star, p. B5.