Combatting IUUF in Visayan Sea, Philippines through Empowered Fisher Alliances

According to Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR) latest report on IUUF, encroachment of commercial fishing vessels in the municipal waters remains prevalent. Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing will be reduced in the Visayan Sea by empowering fisher alliances to engage with the local government and address the causes of increased risk to IUU fishing. IUU Fishing Index Tool (I-FIT) will be used to conduct participatory IUU Fishing assessment and based on the result, formulate and implement plans. Effectiveness of the IUU reduction plans will be measured through monitoring and assessment. Women will be involved in the initiative by leading the mobilization of funds as safety nets for the fisherfolks that are affected by the IUU fishing reduction initiatives.