VMS rollout seen to protect fisheries

MANILA, Philippines — The government is stepping up digital surveillance to protect fisheries, curb agricultural smuggling and strengthen maritime security.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) turned over Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) workstations to the Philippine Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center.

READ: BFAR faces scrutiny amid record fishing intrusions

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The system tracks registered fishing vessels’ location, speed and direction in real time, giving authorities a clearer view of activities at sea and supporting nationwide fisheries management.

The DA said the project marks a major step in protecting marine resources and coastal communities, helping detect illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and enforce conservation measures, including closed seasons, to support stock recovery and long-term sustainability.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the technology can also bolster efforts against agricultural smuggling, noting smugglers exploit the country’s coastline.

“The same technology that helps us monitor fishing vessels can also strengthen our ability to detect suspicious maritime movements linked to smuggling,” Tiu Laurel said.

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“These illegal activities undermine the livelihoods of our farmers and fisherfolk while allowing products that bypass quarantine and food safety inspections to reach the market,” he said.

He said the system’s data will enable faster responses to threats facing fishing communities while protecting fishermen’s livelihoods.

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“By strengthening monitoring and enforcement today, we are helping secure our fisheries resources, protect consumers and preserve the livelihoods of future generations,” he added. /pai INQ