Lying within the global center of marine biodiversity, the Philippines is one of the world’s top fish-producing countries, and millions of Filipinos derive their livelihood from fishing. However, these rich and precious resources are declining rapidly, with research showing that 10 of the country’s 13 major fishing grounds are already under threat due to overfishing, destructive fishing practices, habitat degradation, pollution, improper waste disposal, and extreme weather. It is estimated that the Philippines loses nearly P68.5 billion a year to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, a trend that affects the country’s economic development through lost revenue and unrealized opportunities for local fishermen and associated seafood industries.

Kim, S. Y. (2019, June 3). Your fish is your future. BusinessWorld, p. S1/8.