The diaspora of artisanal fisherfolks

They have lived by the sea for generations, casting nets and lines in the same waters their fathers and grandfathers fished in. But now, these small-scale, artisanal fisherfolks—once guardians of our coastal heritage—are being driven out of their traditional fishing grounds by the very laws that claim to protect the sea.

It’s a cruel paradox. On one hand, we hail the establishment of marine sanctuaries as a landmark achievement in environmental conservation. Rightly so. The Philippines, with its rich biodiversity and fragile marine ecosystems, must protect what remains of its coral reefs, seagrass beds, and spawning grounds. From Apo Reef to Tubbataha, our sanctuaries are global treasures. But on the other hand, what becomes of the humble fisherfolk who now find themselves forbidden to fish where they once freely did?

Are we witnessing a case of one government foot not knowing what the other is doing? The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) champions marine biodiversity, while the Department of Agriculture (DA)—through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)—is supposed to look after the livelihoods of fishermen. When a sanctuary expands, does the DA step in to ensure affected fisherfolks have alternatives? Or are they simply left adrift?

This isn’t just an administrative oversight—it’s a social fault line. Where is the balance between ecological preservation and social justice? Shouldn't our policies reflect not only the survival of fish species but also the survival of the people who depend on them?

Could this be a failure in inter-agency coordination? A breakdown in consultation? Were the Local Government Units (LGUs), the frontliners of community governance, fully consulted before enforcement began? What about the NGOs who work closely with coastal communities? Were they part of the conversation?

Our legal framework for marine protection is sound—perhaps too sound. The Expanded NIPAS Act (RA 11038), the Fisheries Code (RA 8550 as amended), and a host of local ordinances lay down strict rules. But nowhere do they guarantee a fisherfolk’s right to a sustainable livelihood when these rules are enforced.

Caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, artisanal fisherfolks are not just displaced—they’re disenfranchised. They cannot venture far into deeper seas with their small boats, and even if they could, they would have to compete with large commercial fleets, often equipped with better gear and sometimes even government permits.

What then is the way forward?

We must equip our fisherfolks with new options. One such option is inland fisheries. We can teach them how to raise fish in controlled environments—fishponds on land, or even above-ground systems using repurposed container vans. Architect Ran Quijano has long advocated for Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), which recycle water efficiently and are ideal for small land areas.

Entrepreneur Aris Castillo, meanwhile, has demonstrated that we can now control water salinity and temperature—meaning almost any fish species can be grown anywhere. Castillo has also developed traceability technology, allowing fish and crops to be tagged with their origin—a feature increasingly required by export markets.

With the right support, we can turn this crisis into an opportunity. These small-scale fisherfolks can become aquaculture entrepreneurs, supplying high-value fish to both local and international markets. We don’t need to leave them behind—we can bring them forward.

But we must act now. A high-level coordinating council is needed—one that brings together the DA, DENR, LGUs, and relevant NGOs—to resolve conflicting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and prevent the diaspora of our coastal communities. Because what is sustainability, if it excludes the very people who’ve lived sustainably for centuries?

If no one else will step up, I volunteer to referee between the government agencies and the fisherfolk, between the sanctuary administrators and the small boat owners. Because in this fight for balance, both nature and humanity deserve to win.