ILOILO CITY — The Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has convened stakeholders from blue swimming crab-producing regions to consolidate the BSC Fisheries Reapplication for Comparability Findings under the United States Marine Mammal Protection Act. The two-day workshop, held September 30 to October 1, 2026, aimed to review progress and prepare documents for the Philippines' reapplication.
A Lifeline for Western Visayas Crab Industry
The United States suspended imports of Philippine BSC products effective June 11, 2026, following findings of inadequate documentation on marine mammal protection and bycatch monitoring. The US accounts for approximately 90 percent of Philippine BSC exports, valued at $50 million to $60 million annually. Almost 60 percent of the country's BSC production comes from Panay, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental, making Western Visayas the hardest-hit region.
For Iloilo, the ban directly threatens the livelihoods of thousands of crab fishers, pickers, processors, and traders. Coastal municipalities such as Concepcion, Ajuy, Banate, and Carles rely heavily on the industry. The region supports an estimated 15,000 jobs linked to crab fishing and processing, with women comprising a large portion of the crab-picking workforce in communities like Barangay Igbon.
Protecting the Critically Endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin
At the heart of the MMPA compliance issue is the Irrawaddy dolphin, a critically endangered species inhabiting the Iloilo-Guimaras Strait. Only 12 individuals remain, according to BFAR Region 6, making every dolphin crucial to the population's survival. The MMPA prohibits imports of fish products caught with gear that results in marine mammal bycatch exceeding US standards.
Gillnets used in BSC fishing operations overlap with dolphin habitat, leading to accidental entanglement. To address this, BFAR issued Fisheries Administrative Order No. 277, imposing a 500-meter cap on the aggregate length of gillnets. Studies show this limit significantly reduces incidental capture of marine mammals without sacrificing fishing efficiency.
Strengthening Data and Reporting Systems
During the workshop, regional representatives presented updates on legal frameworks, bycatch reporting, and mitigation measures. DA Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther Bayate emphasized the need for an Irrawaddy dolphin recovery plan accompanied by on-the-ground implementation involving local government units, protected area boards, researchers, and communities.
Dr. Arnel Yaptinchay of Marine Wildlife Watch presented insights on the Malampaya Sound dolphin population. Dr. Manuel Eduardo de la Paz and Angelico Tiongson of the University of St. La Salle shared progress on population surveys in the Iloilo and Guimaras Straits. The National Stock Assessment Program also introduced its Electronic Records and Documentation System for consolidating regional monitoring data.
A Unified Push for Compliance and Livelihoods
BFAR Region 6 Director Remia Aparri, who chairs the BSC National Technical Working Group, stressed that understanding the real situation on the ground is essential. "Dapat indi lang kita mag-comply, but rather understand the real situation para may hugot kita," she said, emphasizing that the BSC issue requires sustained national attention.
The DA-BFAR is also rolling out a Municipal Catch Data Reporting Form in Concepcion to strengthen catch documentation. A P1.71-million BSC Pre-Processing and Trading Center was recently inaugurated in Barangay Igbon to formalize operations and meet food safety standards. These efforts aim to secure US market access while protecting marine biodiversity and sustaining coastal livelihoods.
