Addressing industry concerns
To address these issues, the GEM Program, in partnership with MEDCo and BFAR, conducted a sardine industry workshop attended by 42 key representatives from the sardine industry and government agencies. The workshop provided an opportunity to validate GEMs assessment and to formulate recommendations to address crucial concerns affecting the operations of the industrys various sectors.
Among the major proposals made during the meeting was the creation of a Sardine Management Plan which will contain an integrated set of regulations based on the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and total allowable catch (TAC) to be set by BFAR. The proposed management plan, which is being prepared with assistance from GEM, would also include limitations on fishing effort, seasonal closure during peak spawning periods, minimum size limits and area closures.
In the area of market and product development, it was suggested that members of the processing sector dedicate a portion of their production to develop higher-priced products for the high-end export market, allowing processors to achieve higher profits and enabling them to pay higher prices for the fish supplied by the local fishing fleet.
Another important recommendation made during the workshop was for vessel owners to increase the quality of their fish catch to meet strict export standards. Although reducing operating costs is a primary concern of boat owners, they should also adopt an integrated system of fish handling that will improve fish quality from the fishnet to the plant.
Workshop participants likewise pushed for a comprehensive industry roadmap that includes a market-based policy-agenda, a regulatory framework and a market development program that will ensure the Zamboanga sardine industrys sustainability in the coming years.
In response, MEDCo is working with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry to identify potential export markets for Zamboangas sardine products. GEM will also help in this effort by providing industry stakeholders with timely market information and with information on the latest production technologies, both of which will enhance the sectors global competitiveness.
SOPHIL is encouraging its members in the fishing sector to improve their fish handling methods to further enhance product quality, while sardine processors are studying the possibility of consolidating their cargoes to achieve economies of scale.
Despite the crucial issues now confronting the sardine industry, its leaders are confident that these problems will be addressed with the full and united support of industry members. With the continued assistance provided by its partners in government, the private sector, and GEM, the industry can look forward to a bright and more stable future. (GEM Program)
