The Negros Occidental provincial government is working with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in pushing for a sustainable and globally competitive blue swimming crab (BSC) industry amid the challenges brought by the United States’ suspension on the importation of crab meat products from the Philippines.
In a report posted over the weekend, the BFAR-Negros Island Region (NIR) said a stakeholders’ consultative meeting was organized by the province at the capitol’s Social Hall in Bacolod City on Friday, July 10.
“This is our chance to elevate our fisheries governance and show the world that the Philippine blue swimming crab industry is world-class and compliant. BFAR cannot do this alone,” BFAR-NIR Director Rene Parreño said.
“While we provide the science-based frameworks and traceability tools, our local chief executives are the frontline enforcers. We need your leadership to turn policy into practice by empowering city and municipal fisheries and aquatic resources management councils [FARMCs], tightening coastal law enforcement, refining fisherfolk registration, and defending our marine resources.”
Parreño was joined by BFAR – Western Visayas Director Remia Aparri during the consultation attended by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Provincial Agriculturist-officer-in-charge Dina Genzola.
Other participants were representatives from other government agencies, local government units (LGUs), industry partners, fisherfolk associations, processor companies, traders, FARMCs, and other stakeholders.
The consultation addressed the recent developments concerning the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA-NMFS) regulations and their implications on the Philippine blue swimming crab industry, particularly on maintaining market access to the US while promoting sustainable fisheries management.
Effective June 11, imports of Philippine BSC products to the US were restricted due to inadequate documentation on mandatory marine mammal protection and bycatch monitoring programs.
“Our objective is not simply to overcome a specific trade challenge. It is to build a blue swimming crab industry that is resilient, environmentally responsible, globally competitive, and capable of providing sustainable livelihoods for generations to come,” Lacson said.
He cited the BFAR-NIR 2025 transport permit data showing that Negros Occidental produced more than 1,151 metric tons of blue swimming crab products with an estimated market value of P936.349 million.
“More importantly, behind these figures are 1,810 registered BSC fishers, along with workers in our picking stations, processors, traders, and countless families whose income depends on this industry,” Lacson said.
Based on field data gathered by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, there are at least 15 crab picking stations in the province, with around 30 workers each.
Genzola said the meeting assessed the potential impacts of the NOAA-NMFS measures on local processors, fishers, traders, and the wide-ranging fisheries value chain.
Participants identified appropriate interventions and collaborative strategies that will support compliance with international requirements while safeguarding the sustainability, competitiveness and market access.
The consultative meeting concluded with “a shared commitment among the BFAR, the provincial government, LGUs, and industry stakeholders to strengthen partnerships,” the BFAR-NIR said.
They also committed “to promote responsible fisheries governance and implement science-based management strategies that will secure the long-term sustainability and global competitiveness of the Philippine BSC industry,” it added.
Last month, the Negros Occidental Provincial Board passed a resolution urging the Department of Agriculture through the BFAR, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and other concerned agencies to immediately address compliance issues that led to the US market closure to blue swimming crab products.
The Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PhilExport) Negros Chapter said the ban could threaten the livelihood of thousands of workers and fishing communities across the country.
“PhilExport Negros stands ready to work with government agencies, industry partners and stakeholders to protect jobs, preserve export opportunities and ensure the continued growth of Philippine exports,” it said in a statement. (PNA)