Philippines Tightens Fishing Rules to Resume Crab Exports to US

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is set to implement stricter rules on the harvesting of blue swimming crab to pave the way for the resumption of the country's exports to the United States. This move aims to align the Philippines with the US government's requirements on marine mammal protection. Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) 277 introduces a new measure capping the aggregate length of gillnets used during fishing operations at 500 meters. This is intended to limit instances of marine mammals and other endangered aquatic animals being caught incidentally during fishing. BFAR, in collaboration with local government units and fisheries law enforcement agencies, will also enforce stronger administrative sanctions for violators. The agency will conduct a mandatory review every three years to ensure the measure remains responsive to current conditions. This development follows a US ban on blue swimming crab imports from the Philippines, attributed to the country's inadequate protection measures for mandatory marine mammal protection and bycatch monitoring programs. According to BFAR, the new FAO was developed after extensive consultations with local governments, fisherfolk, processors, scientists, and conservation organizations. BFAR national director Elizer Salilig emphasized that continued collaboration is crucial for securing livelihoods, maintaining access to global markets, and protecting marine animals. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that the strengthened measure will bolster the local blue crab industry, which supports thousands of fisherfolk, processors, and exporters. "By embracing better fisheries management, we are protecting our marine resources while ensuring Philippine seafood continues to meet the high standards of premium international markets," Tiu Laurel added. The P7-billion industry relies heavily on the US market, which accounts for nearly 90 percent of all blue crab exports. Before the ban, the Philippines exported approximately 500,000 pounds of crab meat per month to the US, with major crab sourcing regions including Bacolod, Iloilo, and Cebu.