The Implementation of Fishery Laws in Ilocos Sur

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the extent of implementation of fishery laws in the province of Ilocos Sur. It also came up with a socio-demographic profile of the respondents. Likewise, it identified the fishery laws made and implemented by the local government units. The establishment, operation of fishing infrastructures and the protection of marine environment were also assessed. The study was conducted in 18 coastal municipalities of Ilocos Sur namely, Sinait, Cabugao, Sna JUan, Magiisngal, Sto. Domingo, San Vicente, Sta. Catalina, Vigan, Caoayan, Santa, Narvacan, Sta. Maria, San Esteban, Santiag, Candon, Sta. Lucia, Sta. Cruz and Tagudin. The respondents wre the heads and personnel of the local government units in the said municipalities. This study employed the descriptive method of research with the aid of a questionnaire supplemented by interviews. Results showed that the local government units were dominated by males, mostly married, 41-50 years old and most of them were barangay captains. The most common ordinances passed were against illegal fishing methods with the use of dynamite, cyonide, and other similar activities. The municipalities of Santiago had the most number of ordinance made. The respondents which also included legislators were not aware of the following: the fishery laws passed and implemente; the violations made by the fishermen; the establishment and operation of fishery infrastructures and the regulations involved; and how teh marine environment was given protection. To sum it all, the fishery town were faily implemented by the local govenment units. The following recommendations are presented by the researchers; the local govenment units in Ilocos Sur should deepen their awareness on the existing fishery laws, pass more relevant ones and implement the same; the PNP should help in the strict implementation of the fishery laws; the fishermen should stregnthen their capability in organizing themselves purposely to cease illegal fishing; seminar-workshops and trainings on the effects of illegal fishing on the environment should be conducted so that the fishermen iwll value the importance of freshwater and marine resources.