Victoria, Northern Samar is a municipality blessed with rich aquatic resources with over 400 registered fisherfolk across five coastal barangays. Due to years of unregulated illegal fishing, much of which has devastated local coral reefs, most fishing livelihoods in the community are limited to macro catch–smaller fish similar in size to sardines and anchovies. Within the last five years, however, the local government unit (LGU) has worked with the local Philippine National Police (PNP) unit to enforce the local fisheries code. As a result, reported incidents of illegal fishing gear usage (dynamite, trawling, etc.) and illegal entry have nearly disappeared thanks to ongoing collaboration and funding for enforcement.

 

The Libertad Farmers and Fisherfolks Association (LFFA), in collaboration with a Peace Corps volunteer in their community, decide to put together a two-day training for their 27 members on marine protected area (MPA) management and fishing gear usage and maintenance. By participating in this project, fishermen will be able to increase fish catch to meet local demand for fish products, all the while promoting marine conservation and legal forms of fishing. They will then buy 10 sets of fishing gear to support their work. Using this gear, the fishermen will be able to increase the supply of locally caught fish, thereby satisfying local demand, and support economic growth while reinvesting profits to continue expanding fisheries livelihoods within the community.