Philippines: The Philippines' government has recommended the declaration of a "special management area" along the tuna fishing areas in the Pacific Ocean. However, it has strongly objected to proposals that extend the closure of the critical portions of the high seas to fishing operations beyond 2011.
Malcolm Sarmiento Jr., Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) director, said the proposal should help cushion the impact of the ongoing two-year purse seine fishing ban in the Pacific Ocean, which has affected the country's tuna industry.
He said the fishing ban has already caused as estimated loss of around US$115 million to Mindanao's economy and the loss of 9,000 jobs in the local fishing industry, BFAR records showed.
Source: Manila Bulletin
