Bacolod city: The Negros Occidental provincial government is collaborating with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to foster a sustainable and globally competitive blue swimming crab industry in light of the United States' recent suspension of crab meat imports from the Philippines.
According to Philippines News Agency, a stakeholders' consultative meeting was organized by the province at the capitol's Social Hall. BFAR-Negros Island Region (NIR) Director Rene Parre±o emphasized the importance of elevating fisheries governance and demonstrating compliance in the Philippine blue swimming crab industry, highlighting the necessity of local leadership in enforcing relevant policies and protecting marine resources.
BFAR-Western Visayas Director Remia Aparri, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, and Provincial Agriculturist-Officer-in-Charge Dina Genzola joined the consultation, attended by various stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies, local government units, industry partners, fisherfolk associations, and processor companies.
The consultation centered on addressing the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA-NMFS) regulations and their impact on maintaining market access to the US while promoting sustainable fisheries management. Imports of Philippine blue swimming crab products to the US were restricted from June 11 due to inadequate documentation on marine mammal protection and bycatch monitoring programs.
Governor Lacson highlighted the region's significant production of blue swimming crab products and the importance of building a resilient and environmentally responsible industry that supports sustainable livelihoods. He noted the presence of numerous registered fishers and workers dependent on this industry.
Field data from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist indicated the existence of multiple crab picking stations in the province, with a substantial workforce contributing to the industry. The meeting assessed the potential impacts of NOAA-NMFS measures on local stakeholders and identified strategies to support compliance with international requirements while maintaining sustainability and market access.
The meeting concluded with a commitment among BFAR, the provincial government, local government units, and industry stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and promote responsible fisheries governance. They aim to implement science-based management strategies to secure the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the Philippine blue swimming crab industry.
The Negros Occidental Provincial Board recently passed a resolution urging immediate action to address compliance issues leading to the US market closure. The Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PhilExport) Negros Chapter expressed readiness to collaborate with various entities to protect jobs and ensure the continued growth of Philippine exports.
