The multi-billion illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and destruction of the rich ecosystem in the West Philippine Sea is a cause of concern for both the United States and the Philippines, a top-ranking official of the US Embassy in Manila said on Thursday.
US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law said this is the reason why the US government, through the US Assistance for International Development (USAID), supports a variety of programs to strengthen Philippine environmental sustainability, climate resilience, sustainable management of natural resources, and combat environmental crimes.
“There is no greater existential threat to the environment and livelihood of fisherfolk than the destruction of the rich ecosystem in the West Philippine Sea. The US shares Philippine concerns over IUU fishing and environmental destruction perpetrated in the Philippine waters,” Law stated during the virtual Earth Day Round Table sponsored by the US Embassy.
He cited the results of a recent study made by the USAID and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) which revealed that illegal fishing in the Philippines accounted for as much as 40 percent in 2019, or approximately P62 billion or $1.3 billion yearly.
“IUU fishing remains a top priority for the United States. Through USAID, we are stepping up our partnership with the Philippines to promote sustainable fishing practices and enhance the well-being of Filipinos dependent on this critical resource,” Law said.
In August last year, the USAID launched the Philippines Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity, Oceans, and Landscapes (SIBOL) project, a five-year P1.1 billion program that aims to “help the government achieve its goal of improving natural resource governance and stimulate public and private investments leading to a greater ecosystem stability and inclusive green growth”.
In addition to supporting environmental initiatives, Law said the US is also working with the Philippines to strengthen the country’s maritime domain awareness and ability to secure its territory amid China’s continuous aggressive activities in the West Philippine Sea, most recent of which in Julian Felipe Reef where it deployed over 240 large fishing vessels.
Julian Felipe Reef (Whitsun Reef) is located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone or about 175 nautical miles off Bataraza town in Palawan.
Law said this is why the United States believes that a strong Philippine alliance is vital to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.