BFAR launches new mobile app vs illegal fishing | ABS-CBN

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BFAR launches new mobile app vs illegal fishing

BFAR launches new mobile app vs illegal fishing

Addie Cuadra,

ABS-CBN News

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MANILA -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Wednesday launched a new mobile application called FishSHIELDS.

BFAR launched the mobile app in cooperation with the United States Agency for International Development’s Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity, Oceans, and Landscapes project, to commemorate the International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF).

FishSHIELDS is an offline mobile application designed to operationalize enforcement responses to IUUF incidents and reports, enhancing the capabilities of local authorities to respond swiftly and effectively. 

During the launching, Isisdro Velayo, JR., the Officer-In-Charge of BFAR, highlighted the critical role BFAR plays in safeguarding marine resources. 

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"The BFAR plays a critical role in safeguarding our marine resources and ensuring the sustainability of our fishing sector. Our mission is to protect and manage our aquatic ecosystems to support the livelihoods of millions of Filipinos who depend on fishing for their sustenance and income," Velayo said. 

Velayo emphasized the significant threats posed by IUUF to the sustainability of marine resources, the economic well-being of fisherfolk, and the overall health of marine ecosystems. 

"Fighting IUUF is at the heart of this mission," he noted. 

The launch follows key findings from the 2023 Philippine IUU Fishing Report, which indicated that while the Philippines’ rating on the global IUU Fishing index has improved significantly, there remains a need for a more robust, data-driven response to combat IUUF in the country. 

The report underscored the importance of tools like the IUU Fishing Index and Threat Assessment Tool (I-FIT), implemented by BFAR, and addressing illegal fishing practices. Nazario Briguera, BFAR’s Spokesperson, provided further insight into the functionality of FishSHIELDS. 

"Ganito kasi siguro ang analogy natin, yong I-fit, iyan yung diagnosis mechanism. Gaano kalawak yung illegal, unreported fishing sa isang lugar. At yung FishSHIELDS, ito naman yung response system. Paano natin bibigyan ng tugon yung illegal fishing sa isang lugar sa pamamagitan ng pag-uulat at pagbibigay ng real time response sa mga ulat na natatanggap natin," Briguera explained. 

He also highlighted that FishSHIELDS does not require an online connection, ensuring that law enforcement personnel can receive reports and coordinate with local government units for immediate action. 

"Ang magiging application nito, hindi lang dun sa municipal level kundi a wide approach yung fisheries management area, that would actually include the West Philippine Sea and then sabi ko nga it’s just a reinforcement of the existing systems that we have… Mas ma re-reinforce pa yung monitoring system natin even in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)," he added. 

The new mobile application aims to strengthen monitoring and response efforts, particularly addressing the high incidence of commercial fishing vessel intrusions. 

"Isa sa mga features ng I-FIT, even the reason kung bakit nag e-engage parin sa illegal fishing itong mga fisherfolk ay kaya nating ma-analyze using the system, but as you can see, isa sa mga mataas na insidente ay yung intrusion of the commercial fishing vessels… 'yun po siguro yung dapat na matutukan natin," Briguera said. 

FishSHIELDS represents a vital advancement in the fight against IUUF, supporting the ongoing efforts to protect the country’s rich marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of its fishing communities.




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