Filipino Fishermen in Turmoil: Navigating the Troubled Waters of the West Philippine Sea

In the West Philippine Sea, particularly around Scarborough Shoal, Filipino fishermen are facing a dire situation. Historically, the Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, has been a rich fishing ground for Filipino fishermen like Rony Drio. However, since 2012, when China seized control of this area within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), fishermen have encountered increasing challenges. Chinese vessels use speedboats and water cannons to block access to these waters, leading to a decrease in the fishermen’s ability to fish safely and profitably in these traditionally rich grounds.

The conflict in the South China Sea, a potential flashpoint between the United States and China, exacerbates these problems. Filipino fishermen from San Salvador Island, now restricted from fishing in the shoal’s sheltered and resource-rich waters, are forced to venture into the open sea. This shift not only increases their operational costs, primarily fuel, but also places them in a cycle of debt, as each trip becomes less profitable.

The fishermen’s struggles are not only economic but also psychological, with many reporting anxiety and trauma due to their precarious situation. Fishermen’s income has plummeted by approximately 70% due to restricted access to Scarborough Shoal. For instance, before 2012, a fisherman could earn between 8,000 to 10,000 Philippine pesos per week, but now they barely make 2,000 to 3,000 pesos, barely covering their costs.

The Scarborough Shoal’s rich fishing grounds, before 2012, could yield up to three tons of high-value species per trip. Now, fishing there is becoming economically unfeasible due to reduced catches, environmental destruction, and harassment by Chinese vessels. China’s actions, including the destruction of coral reefs through giant clam digging, have also caused significant ecological damage.

In response to these challenges, over 1,000 fishermen from Zambales and nearby provinces formed the Bigkis Fisherfolk Federation in 2020, advocating for their rights to fish in these waters and urging the Philippine government to take a firmer stance in defending the EEZ. They seek the permanent deployment of Filipino coast guards in the area and the development of alternative livelihoods for affected fishermen.

The Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has initiated an 80-million-peso livelihood project to assist these fishermen and conducts resupply missions in the contested waters. However, the fishermen, including Drio, express the need for more effective government support, highlighting past initiatives that were not adequately suited to their needs​​​​​​.