Estimating the impact of irregular and unsustainable fishing of distant-water fishing fleets in the Philippines

This policy brief synthesises information from the flagship ODI report 'Fishy Business', examining the current state of domestic and foreign fishing activity in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

It focuses on fleet composition, vessel types, ownership, and the challenges posed by illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities in the area. The paper also highlights the prevalence of artisanal vessels, the significant presence of foreign fleets – particularly from China, Vietnam, and Taiwan, Province of China – and concerns about the opacity of vessel ownership and the impact of large-scale foreign fishing on local artisanal fishers and marine biodiversity.

Recommendations for policymakers

Implement stricter regulations and monitoring systems to ensure sustainable fishing practices and prevent overfishing.
Encourage the use of selective gear to reduce bycatch.
Strengthen the legal framework to ensure foreign-owned vessels comply with Philippine laws.
Enforce labour standards to prevent exploitation on fishing vessels.
Involve local communities in fisheries management to ensure their needs are met and artisanal fishing practices are supported to be sustainable and beneficial to local food security.
Enhance the protection of marine ecosystems through conservation measures and by regulating fishing methods that cause environmental harm.
Improve transparency in vessel ownership and operations.
Collaborate with international bodies and other countries to address challenges related to flags of convenience (FoCs) and manage shared fish stocks effectively.

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