In its continuous drive to eliminate Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in Philippine waters, Fisheries Management Area 1 (FMA1) led by DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 2, in partnership with the Zoological Society of London–Philippines, successfully concluded the Feedbacking of the IUU Fishing Index and Threat Assessment Tool (I-FIT) Roll-out last August 19–20, 2025 in Pasig City.

Regional coordinators from Regions 2, 3, 4A, 5, and CAR presented the consolidated results of the I-FIT roll-outs conducted across their respective areas in July–August 2025. Partners from the Philippine Coast Guard, led by Commodore Roderik M. Elioran and Captain Rolando L. Lorenzana, and the PNP Maritime Group, represented by PCPT Joseph P. Pica, actively participated and provided valuable insights.

As part of the Philippine Rise Ocean Conservation Area (PROCA) Project, the I-FIT roll-out in 14 municipalities covering the project, reinforces the country’s commitment to establishing a 150,000 km² Large-Scale Marine Protected Area within FMA1.

The I-FIT Tool helps assess IUU fishing status, identify sustainable solutions, and monitor progress in deterring illegal fishing at multiple levels—from municipal waters to national fisheries management.

This initiative supports FMA1’s broader goal of reducing IUU fishing by 20% by 2027, in alignment with national fisheries management and marine resource conservation priorities.

#FMA1 #SustainableFisheries #MarineConservation #IUUfishing #IFIT #PROCA