Policy Needs for Shark and Ray Conservation in the Philippines

The Philippines is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world in terms of sharks and rays with possibly over 200 species in its waters. Artisanal, and to a lesser extent commercial, shark and ray fisheries are characterized... [ view full abstract ]

The Philippines is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world in terms of sharks and rays with possibly over 200 species in its waters. Artisanal, and to a lesser extent commercial, shark and ray fisheries are characterized by directed, opportunistic, or incidental takes. Management is minimal because sharks and rays are not considered commercially important species. A management program is contained within the NPOA-Sharks but a policy framework for sufficient conservation does not exist. To date, only twenty-one shark and rays are protected nationally, all of which are listed in the CITES Appendices. A few provincial and municipal governments have addressed this gap by passing local laws resulting to blanket bans on takes and protection of some species such as those in the Threatened IUCN Redlist categories or those that are locally important. However, implementation and enforcement of these laws are a challenge, aggravated by a low level of awareness. Through the development of a three-year roadmap for shark and ray conservation, a comprehensive national law is proposed to address the inconsistencies and gaps in policy. It is envisioned that when this is passed and implemented, the policy will provide a model for sustainable and ecosystem-based management of shark and ray fisheries in the Philippines.