WPS marine ecosystem threats resolution eyed

The Armed Forces of the Philippines' Western Command and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources are partnering with United States Agency for International Development to address the marine ecosystem threats in the West Philippine Sea.

The move is pushed through the USAID's "Fish Right Program" by the University of Rhode Island Coastal Resources Center and its local colleagues.

The program funded by USAID is set to be implemented by the country's BFAR in the South Negros, Visayan Sea and Calamian Island Group and soon will be expanded in the WPS as it seeks to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities in the WPS with the conduct of a series of area assessments.

Authorities will also focus on the establishment of a marine protected areas network within the WPS as well as improving marine biodiversity and sustainable fisheries, coastal resource management and climate change resilience.

Efforts also include community and local stakeholders' consultative processes, information, education and communication, and several other ecosystem-based approaches.

Philippine Navy Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, also the WesCom commander, said the expansion of the "Fish Right Program" to the WPS will be beneficial to the country.