San Juan, Siquijor – In a concerted effort to sustainably strengthen regulatory protection and maintenance of our ocean and marine resources, the FISH Visayas Project, in collaboration with the Siquijor Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LGU San Juan and the DA – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region VII, initiated a Sea Warden Deputation Training from April 2 to 4 and April 16 to 18, 2024. 

The program successfully capacitated a total of 79 individuals, including fishers and local government officers from municipal and barangay levels, to enhance coastal law enforcement and reinforce the regulation of the Municipal Fishing Ban Ordinance of LGU San Juan.

The Sea Warden Deputation Training covered topics essential for effective coastal resource management and law enforcement. Participants learned about the duties and responsibilities of fish wardens, the features of R.A. No. 8550 as amended by R.A. No. 10654, and related Fisheries Administrative Orders. The training module also included fishing gear identification, detection of fish caught with explosives, sampling of fish caught with illegal methods, basic navigation, chart plotting, search and seizures, and affidavit-making exercises.

More than this, the 79 trainees engaged in practical exercises, including simulated seaborne activities. Groups were tasked with approaching unauthorized fishermen in marine sanctuaries, and their performance was recorded and evaluated to gather insights and improve enforcement strategies.

Providing more support in resource protection efforts, the FISH Visayas Project provided essential equipment for sea wardens to be stationed in bases and marine protected areas. This included uniforms, caps, binoculars, handheld radios, megaphones, waterproof flashlights, GPS devices, rubber boots, raincoats, and mechanical equipment such as a 16HP Gasoline Honda Engine, propeller, shaft drive, and rudder. Additionally, 31 pieces of tarpaulin highlighting the municipal fishing ban ordinance in LGU San Juan were distributed.

Ultimately, the project aims to establish sustainable regulations for the protection and maintenance of our oceans by engaging with fishers and strengthening the regulatory capacity of partner LGUs in enforcing coastal laws. This includes regulating or prohibiting encroachments by commercial fishing vessels and other illegal fishing activities. Through these initiatives, the FISH Visayas Project seeks to promote sustainable practices and ensure the preservation of marine resources for future generations.

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The implementation of the Sea Warden Deputation Training aspires to achieve Result Area 1: Training for Fishermen and MSMEs, and Result Area 4: Resource Protection of the FISH Visayas Project.