Fisherfolk groups demand climate justice, halt to commercial fishing in municipal waters

Protesters highlight the environmental damage of commercial fishing and reclamation projects. [Greenpeace.org photo]

On National Fisherfolks Day, more than 500 fisherfolk, civil society organizations, and coastal communities joined forces in a nationwide call to defend small-scale fishing livelihoods and marine ecosystems, urging the Philippine government to uphold climate justice and prioritize people over profit.

Led by the alliance Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Mangingisda – PANGISDA-Pilipinas, the mobilization took place Friday with participants from Cavite, Laguna, Manila, Navotas, Bataan, and Zambales. The protesters marched to demand an immediate halt to reclamation projects and large-scale commercial fishing within the 15-kilometer municipal waters reserved for local fishers under Philippine law.

Coastal communities defend lifelines and demand enforcement

“Small-scale fishermen are losing their livelihoods, and there is a risk that fish stocks along the coast will be depleted due to large-scale commercial fishing that will certainly destroy and deplete marine life,” said Pablo Rosales, chairperson of PANGISDA-Pilipinas.

Frank Melgar Marba, a climate survivor and community leader from Dinagat Islands, echoed the urgency. “The 15-kilometer municipal waters are not just lines on a map—they’re lifelines for small fishers in my community. Protecting these waters is protecting lives.”

Oceana Acting Vice President Atty. Rose-Liza Eisma-Osorio stressed that legal protections already exist but are not being enforced. “Our fisheries production has not been getting any better the past years. Our laws are in place to conserve marine biodiversity. We need committed officials to enforce these laws and help fisherfolk rise from poverty,” she said in a message to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Fisherfolk and allies march in Manila calling for an end to commercial fishing in municipal waters. [Greenpeace.org photo]

Environmental groups call for bold action amid climate crisis

Greenpeace Philippines joined the rally and issued a strong warning against expanding commercial access to coastal waters. Senior Climate Justice Campaigner Virginia Benosa-Llorin called such actions “completely insane,” given the already dire impact of the climate crisis on coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove ecosystems.

“This move solely benefits large fishing corporations while entrenching fishers and coastal communities in poverty,” Llorin said. “The message is clear: protect our coastal waters, defend our fisherfolk, and take climate action before it’s too late.”

Antonio Abletes, a climate advocate from Salcedo, Eastern Samar, called on the government to make a choice between corporate interests and the people’s welfare. “Fisherfolk represent the people. They are believers and fighters for better futures for their families. Let us protect the rights of the Filipino fisherfolk.”

Friday’s march served as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to stop destructive commercial projects and reclamation schemes, uphold existing environmental laws, and stand with those most impacted by the escalating climate emergency.