By Ahikam Pasion
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Small-scale fisherfolk from two coastal barangays in Lingayen have raised concerns over the continued presence of suspected illegal fishing vessels operating within the town’s municipal waters, which they say is affecting their livelihood and fish catch.
Fisherfolk from Barangays Estanza and Malimpue
According to local fishermen, a typical fishing trip that previously yielded up to 10 kilograms of squid now produces less than a kilogram, significantly reducing household income.
They claimed that destructive fishing methods used by some vessels have intensified competition at sea and contributed to the depletion of marine resources, further straining already vulnerable coastal communities.
The concerns were discussed during a consultation meeting led by Christopher Aldo Fabia Sibayan, president of the Samahan ng Magbabangus ng Pangasinan (SaMaPa), who gathered affected fisherfolk to document their complaints and assess conditions on the ground.
The organization said it plans to relay the fishermen’s concerns to relevant government agencies and push for stricter enforcement of fisheries laws against illegal operations within municipal waters.
Sibayan emphasized the need to protect the rights of small-scale fisherfolk and conserve marine resources to sustain future livelihoods in coastal communities.
Local fishermen expressed hope that stronger coordination between community groups and government authorities would help curb illegal fishing activities and restore productivity in Lingayen’s fishing grounds. (