FishCon Week in Sulu launches with a focused fishery resources awareness campaign
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (Mafar) – Sulu has taken a proactive step during FishCon Week by conducting a targeted outreach on fishery resources awareness for the Sama-Bajau community in Jolo. The event, held on Wednesday, September 24, is part of the province’s observance of Fish Conservation Week and underscores the government’s commitment to sustainable management of aquatic resources as a foundation of local livelihoods.
FishCon Week is observed nationwide during the third week of September to highlight the importance of conserving fish stocks and supporting sustainable fishing communities. Mafar-Sulu opened its 6th FishCon Week celebration on Monday, September 22, marking a sustained effort to reinforce responsible practices among fishers and other stakeholders across the region.
Campaign focus: sustainable and legal fishing practices
The activity in Jolo centered on promoting sustainable and legal fishing practices among the Sama-Bajau, a community whose livelihood is deeply tied to the sea. Fardia Abduhasad, officer-in-charge of Mafar-Sulu’s fisheries division, explained the rationale behind the targeted outreach: “We chose the Sama-Bajau to participate because most of them are fishermen, and we want to help guide them toward sustainable and legal fishing practices.” This approach reflects a broader strategy to combine awareness with practical guidance that can reduce illegal or unsustainable activities while supporting lawful livelihoods.
The effort aligns with a national push for stronger stewardship of marine resources and improved compliance with fisheries regulations, ensuring that communities dependent on the sea can benefit from healthy stocks today and in the future.
Community engagement and the kickoff moment
The kick-off program took place at the Sulu Fisheries Division office, where Mafar-Sulu Director Alfie Iribani acknowledged the hard work and dedication of personnel involved in fisheries conservation initiatives. His remarks underscored that frontline staff and local partners are essential to the success of conservation programs and to ensuring that communities understand and adhere to sustainable practices.
Officials’ emphasis on conservation and food security
Sulima Sabtula, officer-in-charge of the Fisheries Resource Management Section, stressed that fish conservation is a key pillar of national food security and global marine resource protection. She highlighted the critical role of frontliners—like field officers and community outreach teams—in both enforcing laws and engaging with communities to foster responsible behavior and stewardship of aquatic resources.
The messages delivered during FishCon Week reinforce the idea that conserving fish and other aquatic resources supports not only ecological health but also the long-term resilience of coastal and island communities. For the Sama-Bajau, whose daily routines and livelihoods are intertwined with the sea, these efforts aim to provide clearer guidance on how to fish responsibly while sustaining their livelihoods.
The broader significance and what comes next
As FishCon Week progresses, the emphasis remains on practical education, accessible information, and stronger collaboration among government agencies, local leaders, and fishing communities. The campaign in Sulu exemplifies how localized outreach can complement nationwide conservation objectives, ensuring that important resources remain available for generations of fishers and consumers alike.
Looking forward: ongoing education and enforcement
With the support of Mafar-Sulu and its partners, ongoing education, vigilance, and community engagement will continue to be the cornerstones of effective fisheries conservation. By combining awareness with clear guidance on sustainable and legal fishing practices, the program seeks to empower communities to protect marine resources while maintaining their livelihoods for years to come.
