From April 2-4, 2025, the Southeast Cebu Coastal Resource Management (SCCRMC) and the Municipality of Badian successfully participated in the Coastal Law Enforcement and Deputization of Fish Warden Training, a critical initiative aimed at enhancing local capacities for coastal resource management and the enforcement of fisheries laws.
This training was supported by the Unico Conservation Foundation through CCEF, under the Networking of MPAs in Coastal LGUs Alliance (NMCLAP) Project. It was conducted in close coordination with multiple stakeholders, including the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 7, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Central Visayas Special Operations Task Force, the PNP Maritime Group (PNP-MG), and other national and local law enforcement agencies.
Key Objectives and Training Highlights: The training covered a comprehensive range of topics essential for effective coastal law enforcement, such as:
- Duties and Responsibilities of a Fish Warden
- Detection of Fish Caught Using Explosives or Poisonous Substances
- Fishing Gear Identification
- Fisheries Laws (RA 8550, as amended by RA 10654)
- Basic Navigation, Chart Reading, and Plotting
- Seaborne Operations and Market Inspections
- Basic Life Support and Safety at Sea
Participants were also given the opportunity to apply their newly acquired knowledge through mock seaborne patrols and market inspections, simulating real-life scenarios. These practical exercises enhanced participants’ preparedness and confidence in tackling illegal fishing activities, such as dynamite fishing, cyanide fishing, and the use of fine-mesh nets.
Addressing Coastal Law Enforcement Challenges
A significant challenge to coastal law enforcement in Southeast Cebu is the fragmented jurisdictional context, where no single government agency has the resources, technical expertise, or authority to handle sustained coastal law enforcement operations independently. As such, the training underscored the importance of a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach. Only through close collaboration between national agencies, local government units (LGUs), and coastal communities can we effectively combat illegal fishing and protect our marine resources.
Collaboration Among Local Government Units (LGUs)
A critical takeaway from the training was the importance of inter-LGU collaboration. The Southeast Cebu Coastal Resource Management Council (SCCRMC), which facilitates coordination between ADABOSS municipalities (Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Boljoon, Oslob, Santander, and Samboan) and the Municipality of Badian, serves as a key mechanism for uniting these coastal LGUs in their shared goal of enforcing coastal laws. By forming local coastal law enforcement coordinating councils, the LGUs can more effectively work together to enforce regulations, monitor marine resources, and implement sustainable management strategies.
Sustaining Coastal Protection
To ensure the long-term success of these efforts, municipalities must allocate sufficient resources for coastal law enforcement operations. This includes funding for specialized training, the purchase of patrol boats, and other necessary equipment such as hand-held GPS units, cameras, communication tools, and charts. Continuous investment is essential to maintain these operations and cover recurring annual costs, including maintenance, honorarium, and insurance for deputized fish wardens and Bantay Dagat members.
What’s in it for You?
As supporters and advocates of marine conservation, your involvement in these efforts is crucial. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Support local and national efforts to prioritize funding for coastal law enforcement programs, ensuring the protection of marine resources.
- Advocate for inter-LGU collaboration to strengthen coastal law enforcement, ensuring that local governments work together to effectively manage coastal resources.
- Engage in education and awareness campaigns to help local communities understand the importance of protecting our marine ecosystems and the role they can play in enforcement.
By staying informed and getting involved, you can contribute to the sustainability of our coastal environments and help ensure that Southeast Cebu remains a thriving hub of biodiversity for years to come.
