The Philippines’ plan to import fish again to contain food prices will not fix the real problems that are preventing the country from producing its own food from the sea, according to Oceana, the largest international organization working exclusively to protect and restore the world’s oceans.
“Short-term imports may actually put long-term food security and fisherfolk at risk. The issues haunting fisheries management can only be solved through a more comprehensive and participatory plan,” said Oceana Philippines vice president Gloria Estenzo Ramos.
The Philippines is the eleventh largest fish producer globally, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization as of 2016.
Ramos said stakeholders from the government, private sector and civil society organizations must work together to curb overfishing, halt the decline of fish supply and ensure sustainable income for fisherfolk.
