Vessel Monitoring Measure: Pilot Testing in Negros
The southern parts of Negros will be launching the use of Vessel Monitoring Measures (VMM) in their pilot testing this coming August 15 to 18, 2017. The Oceana-Philippines will be in charge in in handling the said activity.
Oceana Pilot Testing
Headed by Danny Ocampo, the oceans campaign manager of Oceana-Philippines, there will be eight local government units of Negros Occidental who will be installing the VVM gadgets for commercial fishing and monitoring.
The pilot testing will be participated by the towns of Sipalay, Hinoba-an, Himamaylan, Candoni, Ilog and Cauayan. Through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) the deliberation of its Implementation Rules and Regulations (IRR) the VMM is directed to the law, as stated by campaign manager Danny Ocampo.
Vessel Monitoring Measure (VMM) Gadget
Danny Ocampo explained that the use of VMM gadget can be done either by radio frequency based, satellite-based and even cellular-based. The VVM gadget would help vessel owners in maintaining and monitoring the real-time movements and locations of their vessel properties.
Aside from monitoring the vessels, the VMM can also help in detect fishing vessels that are violating the rules on the ocean. Ocampo stated that this will also benefit the marginal fisherfolk who are deprived of their fishing grounds by bigger fishing vessels.
The VVM has been piloted in different parts of the Negros Island including Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental and San Carlos. The mobile signal based type of the VVM has been piloted as well in San Remigio in Cebu, Ayungon in Negros Oriental, and Sagay, Negros Occidental.
The Oceana group is also campaigning actively on the prohibited commercial fishing in the Tañon Strait, which separates Negros and Cebu islands.
