FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AREA 11

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.

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