SLSU Bontoc Faculty joins FMA 9 Sardines Fisheries Management Plan (SFMP) regional consultation
The Southern Leyte State University – Bontoc Campus sent Associate Professor Jimmy Salamida, Dean of the Faculty of Aquatic and Applied Sciences and Faculty of the BS Fisheries program, to attend the Regional Consultation on the FMA 9 Sardines Fisheries Management Plan (SFMP) held at Hotel Lorenza, Tacloban City August 22-23, 2024.
The two-day regional consultation hosted by the Bureau of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Office VIII aimed to strengthen the FishCore program in its continuous effort to formulate a sustainable fisheries management plan for sardine fisheries in FMA 9 area.
The regional consultation also serves as a platform to gather inputs, feedback, and recommendations from stakeholders, faculty researchers in the academe, and various government units such as the PNP Maritime Group and Philippine Coast Guard, to effectively implement the FMA 9 Sardines Fisheries Management Plan (SFMP).
Assoc. Prof. Salamida shared the initiatives of SLSU Bontoc Campus in protecting the seas and coastal areas surrounding Southern Leyte. “At SLSU Bontoc Campus, we are intensifying our efforts, especially for information, education, and communication (IEC) campaign for sustainable fisheries and protection of important coastal habitats. By promoting sustainability, we are making sure these marine resources are here for future generations to enjoy,” Salamida said.
The highlight of the regional consultation was to discuss the proposed sardines management plan, which include reducing fishing days, implementing a closed fishing season, and enforcing a ban on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.
“The SLSU-Bontoc Campus is currently collaborating with Oceana Philippines International, local governement units, and other agencies in the drafting of Panaon Island Protected Seascape Management Plan. Part of this management plan is to ensure that fisheries is sustained in Panaon Island, and to a larger Sogod Bay area,” Salamida added.
In a report, BFAR-OIC Regional Director Dominador Maputol stated that the regional consultation aims not only to involve participants but also to solicit their commitment in ensuring food security for the generations to come.
The Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 9 encompasses five different regions in Regions 7, 8, 9, 10 and 13.
