V. REVIEW OF MONITORING MECHANISMS
[ V-A | V-B
| V-C | V-D ]
B. Institutional landscape for monitoring
[ B | B-1
| B-2 | B-3 ]
2. Protection of coastal resources
Executive Order No. 240, dated 28 April
1995, authorized the creation of Fisheries
and Aquatic Resource Management Councils (FARMCs) in barangays, cities
and municipalities.
The creation of FARMCs has institutionalized the major role of the local
fishermen and other resources users in community-based planning and the
implementation of policies and programmes for the management, conservation,
development and protection of fisheries and aquatic resources in municipal
waters. The Executive Order also stipulated that at least 75 per cent of
the regular FARMC members be representatives of the local municipal fishing
communities.
FARMCs are expected to: (a) prepare and recommend fisheries and aquatic
resources management policies and plans for integration into the local
development plan; (b) recommend guidelines to LGUs and special agencies
for the development and implementation of projects; (c) issue permits and
licences for the appropriate use of fisheries and aquatic resources; and
(d) ensure that resource use limits and controls are respected. FARMC members
are also deputized as fish wardens and environment and natural resources
officers.
The mobilization of voluntary Bantay
Dagat (Coastal Patrols) for enforcing coastal protection policies,
monitoring fishing vessels and methods, rehabilitating mangrove and sea
grass areas, and constructing and deploying artificial reefs. The mobilization
of Bantay Dagat was launched under the now terminated Fisheries Sector
Programme. With the termination of the programme, the sustainability of
Bantay Dagat is threatened.
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