Philippines' fisherfolk fight to reclaim their 15-kilometre coastal lifeline

Philippines' fisherfolk fight to reclaim their 15-kilometre coastal lifeline

A growing campaign in the Philippines is fighting to protect small fisherfolk after a Supreme Court ruling opened municipal waters to commercial fishing. The Atin ang Kinse Kilometro movement argues that this decision threatens the livelihoods of coastal communities and the sustainability of marine resources. Supporters say the issue goes beyond fish—it's about who controls shared waters and whether institutions can defend the rights of the poor.

The campaign began in response to a 2024 Supreme Court ruling that struck down provisions reserving the first 15 kilometres of coastal waters exclusively for small-scale fishers. The decision, upheld from a Malabon Regional Trial Court case, affects 965 municipalities and 25 cities across 67 provinces. No reports confirm specific actions by the Mercidar Fishing Corporation in these areas since the ruling, but activists warn that inaction could lead to overfishing and higher seafood prices.

For years, coastal groups have reported illegal encroachment into the 15-kilometre zone, with over 270,000 'night lights'—indicators of industrial fishing—detected there between 2017 and 2024. Many fishers describe this area as their last viable fishing ground, shallow and close enough to shore for safe, small-scale operations. The campaign insists it is not against commercial fishing but argues that nearshore waters should remain protected for those who depend on them most.

In response, lawmakers filed the Atin ang Kinse Kilometro bill to restore exclusive rights for small fishers. The movement frames the fight as a defence of a shared resource—one that still feeds communities without destroying them. Organisers question why the poor must repeatedly adjust their lives while powerful interests expand into their waters.

The campaign's success could determine whether small fisherfolk retain access to their traditional fishing grounds. If ignored, activists warn, the country may face emptier seas and rising food costs as industrial fleets push out local boats. The outcome will also test whether legal and political systems can balance economic demands with the needs of marginalised communities.