Based on the 2009 data of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), more than 900 coastal municipalities completed their municipal water delineation. Unfortunately, only 30 of these municipalities passed ordinances on municipal water delineation. Thus, the delineation of municipal waters, as stipulated under the Fisheries Code, has still not been implemented in most coastal municipalities 12 years after its enactment. In areas where municipal waters have been delineated, marked improvements in fish catch and small fishers' income and illegal fishing apprehension have been observed. Furthermore, the delineation process facilitated the resolution of boundary conflicts among contiguous municipalities, which in turn improved resource management.
The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) previously advocated the signing of an Executive Order (EO) establishing a task force on fisherfolk settlement, to address the sector's need for decent human settlement. This was endorsed by the National Agriculture and Fishery Council-Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture (NAFC-CFA), a private-sector led consultative arm of DA. However, the said EO was not issued.
It is widely acknowledged that climate change will accentuate the damage in low lying coastal communities, as strong typhoons become more frequent and dangerous. The Fourth Assessment Report of the Inter-governmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that low lying regions, particularly in tropical and coastal communities, are likely to be adversely affected by the sea-level rise and temperature increase attributed to climate change. The privatization and commercialization of foreshore areas and the indiscriminate designation of freeports and economic zones adds pressure on the coastal community's productivity and social cohesion, which dislocates small fishing settlements. The government needs data to anticipate adverse consequences and minimize the damage brought about by natural disasters. The absence of mechanisms addressing both the productive and reproductive needs of women fisherfolk is also a concern.
The lack of financial resources and manpower also poses a constraint in the development of the fishery industry, despite the industry's significant contribution to agriculture's gross value added.