In support to the Fisheries Management Area 1 – Management Board (FMA1-MB) and to holistically address challenges in fisheries management, the Interim Technical Working Group (TWG) for FMA1 convened to tackle agenda ahead of the forthcoming 17th Management Board Meeting on June 25, 2025, at the Eagle Hall, CENRO Aritao, Darapidap, Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya. The meeting was attended by FMA1 Focal and Alternate Focal Persons, Secretariat, Provincial Fishery Officers from Region 02, 03, 4A, 05 and CAR and staff of DENR Region 2 as well as Resource Persons from ZSL-Philippines and UPLB.

The discussions include the draft composition and functions of the FMA1 TWG, updates on the final schedule of the IUU Fishing Index and Threat Assessment Tool (I-FIT) Roll-out within FMA1, Dive Instructor and Scientific Survey Training, IFARMC sectoral meeting, results of the Training Needs Assessment for the FMA1 MB members and secretariat draft protocol in conducting studies within FMA1, status of Marine Resources in Region 02, schedule of election of regional sectoral and FMA1wide sectoral representatives, schedule of 18th MB meeting with Global Environment Facility (GEF) back-to-back training for the MB Members, Secretariat and SAG on September 08-12, 2025, updates on the legal designation process of Philippine Rise Ocean Conservation Area (PROCA) establishment and the formation TWG for the designation of PROCA.

The meeting marked a significant step in advancing the strategic priorities of FMA1 and ensuring that all preparatory work is in place ahead of the MB meeting.

The FMA1 TWG shall primarily serve to facilitate the discussion of the FMA1-MB in adopting policies that will contribute to long-term economic and environmental benefits for coastal communities and the fishing industry within FMA1.