Marine biodiversity conservation through fisheries law enforcement: Lived experiences of implementers of Republic Act No. 8550, as amended by Republic Act No. 10654
Paper Details
Marine biodiversity conservation through fisheries law enforcement: Lived experiences of implementers of Republic Act No. 8550, as amended by Republic Act No. 10654
Abstract
Effective fisheries law enforcement is essential for conserving marine biodiversity, protecting coastal ecosystems, and ensuring the sustainable use of aquatic resources. Despite the enactment of Republic Act No. 8550, as amended by Republic Act No. 10654, limited qualitative evidence exists regarding the experiences of frontline implementers responsible for enforcing these fisheries laws in the Philippines. This study explored the lived experiences of fisheries law implementers in the Northern Zamboanga Peninsula to better understand the factors influencing effective law enforcement and marine resource conservation. A qualitative phenomenological research design was employed involving ten purposively selected participants representing the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippine National Police-Maritime Group, Philippine Coast Guard, Municipal Agriculture Offices, and Bantay Dagat. Data were collected through four in-depth interviews and one focus group discussion involving six participants and were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Nine interrelated themes emerged. Positive experiences included institutional support and community cooperation, which enhanced motivation and operational effectiveness. Major challenges comprised political and systemic intervention, safety and security risks, and inadequate logistical resources that constrained consistent law enforcement. Participants addressed these challenges through professional integrity, inter-agency coordination, collaborative enforcement, and continuous public education and awareness campaigns. The findings demonstrate that effective implementation of fisheries legislation depends not only on the legal framework but also on adequate institutional support, transparent governance, sufficient operational resources, and meaningful collaboration among enforcement agencies and coastal communities. Strengthening these interconnected factors will enhance fisheries law enforcement and contribute to the long-term conservation of marine biodiversity and the sustainable management of coastal resources in the Philippines.
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Bernard G. Gilaga*, 2026. Marine biodiversity conservation through fisheries law enforcement: Lived experiences of implementers of Republic Act No. 8550, as amended by Republic Act No. 10654. J. Biodiv. Environ. Sci., 28(6), 185-201.
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