FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AREA 11
VISION
A highly biodiverse and resilient FMA 11 co-managed sustainably based on science, with active participation of progressive communities and a proactive, responsive and adaptive government, to sustain a healthy ecosystem and provide equitable benefits (esp. food and livelihood) for all stakeholders
The Seatizens' Field Guide to Commercially-Important Fishes of FMA 11 is now available for download!
Grab your e-copy today and dive into the fascinating world of these amazing creatures!🐟🐟🐟
FMA 11 at a Glance
Get to know FMA 11!
Area: 2,038,600.00 HaRegional Composition: Regions 5, 6, and 7Designated BFAR Lead: BFAR Region 6Regional Offices: BFAR Regions 5, 6, and 7
Individual Profile FMA 11 (07252020) copy.pdfMajor Fishing Grounds
RECENT NEWS
Stay updated with the latest splashing news
Gastronomic and Economic: Western Visayas Taks Sustainable Strides in Kasag Industry
December 19, 2023
To establish a holistic value chain and ensure the sustainability of the Blue Swimming Crab (BSC), locally known as kasag...
BFAR-NSAP Completes 2nd Phase of Data Consolidation and Analysis, Updates Reference Points for the Visayan Sea and Southern Negros
April 19, 2023
The National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in collaboration with...
Reinventing the Seaweed Industry of Iloilo Province: Stakeholders Gather for the 1st Iloilo Seaweed Summit
April 17, 2023
With a mission of increasing the seaweed production of the Province of Iloilo, the Provincial Local Government Unit...
Gov Defensor, 11 Iloilo Mayors adopt FMA 11 Framework
March 31, 2023
Iloilo Governor Arthur R. Defensor, Jr. and Local Chief Executives from the municipalities of Barotac Viejo, Ajuy, Concepcion...
LATEST STUDIES
Read up on recent scientific studies on FMA 11
The-Lobo-lobo-fry-fishery-in-the-western-Visayan-_2023_Deep-Sea-Research-Par.pdfThe Lobo-lobo fry fishery in the western Visayan Sea, Philippines...
Bagarinao-Regalado et al., 2023
Bagsit et al., 2023 Local Perspectives Matter The Case of the Seasonal Fishery Closure in the Visayan Sea Philippines.pdfLocal Perspectives Matter: The Case of the Seasonal Fishery Closure...
Ungkakay-Bagsit et al., 2023
Engaging Fisherfolk Organizations in Conservation-Based Alternative Livelihoods and Conservation of the Habitats of Irrawaddy Dolphins in Negros Occidental.pdfEngaging Fisherfolk Organizations in Conservation-Based...
Aguilar and Tabujara., 2022
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sea what's up for FMA 11.
FMA 11 Annual Report 2023.pdfThe Annual Report of FMA 11 for 2023 is now available! Check out how we performed and what we have accomplished in the last year.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Fisheries Management Area (FMA)?
It refers to delineated bodies of water in the Philippines based on approximation of fish stocks and boundary, range and distribution, and other considerations for the purpose of fisheries management or governance that is science-based, participatory, and transparent, applying ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM). EAFM emphasizes the balance of ecological well-being with human well-being founded in good governance for future generations.
2. Who and how were FMAs established? How were they delineated?
Fisheries Administrative Order No. 263, s. 2019, establishes the 12 FMAs of the Philippines. The 12 FMAs were established based on considerations of stocks boundary/range/distribution, structure of fisheries as well as administrative divisions. They were delineated mostly considering the information from the National Stock Assessment Program and other scientific information as well as inputs from the public consultations.
3. Why manage fisheries at the FMA level? Why create FMAs? Why do we need them?
With FMAs, fisheries management now considers the range and distribution of fish stocks, rather than based on political or legal jurisdictions only. Hence, managing fisheries at the FMA level allows for a more ecosystem based approach to fisheries management, which considers both ecological well-being and human wellbeing, to ensure sustainable fisheries.
4. What's new with FMAs? How different is it from previous management?
With FMAs, science-based policies based on reference points and harvest control rules and harvest control measures will be implemented. Fisheries resources are now collaboratively managed by stakeholders’ representatives (national-local, commercial-municipal, public-private). It will allow for a more participative, transparent and adaptive form of management
5. What are the advantages and importance of FMA?
FMA will allow for more effective management through science-management interface in managing stocks holistically. It promotes management based on the status and capacity of the stocks, thereby ensuring sustainable harvesting. Because fish stocks are shared between municipal and national waters, regulations in these areas should be consistent and complementary. It promotes cooperation and co-management among BFAR and LGUs sharing the same stocks It allows for a more participatory and transparent management of fisheries among stakeholders.
The Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 11 is the leading FMA in the country with the BFAR Regional Office 6 spearheading its program implementation.
FMA 11 is the first FMA to have a fully functional governance mechanism composed of the Management Board (MB) as the decision-making body, Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) as the policy recommendatory body, and Technical Working Group (TWG) as the program implementation arm.
Furthermore, FMA 11 is the only FMA to have crafted its management framework that will guide the actions of the Local Government Units (LGU) and various sectors stakeholders. As part of its priority to eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and protect the resources, FMA 11 has already converted 130 illegal fishers into legal fishers through its gear-swap program.
Building on this trailblazing performance, its promising cooperation with sectors, and collaboration with its dynamic stakeholders, FMA 11 vows to continue working until sustainable fisheries in the FMA 11 (and the country as a whole) is no longer a vision but a reality.