Maqueda Bay

CERD started the implementation of the Fisheries Integrated Resource Management and Economic Development (FIRMED) Programme in Maqueda Bay, Samar (Visayas) in 1989.  This program is the concretization of the Community Based Fishery Integrated Resource Management (CB-FIRM) framework which CERD developed based on its practice and theorizing in order to help further enrich CB-CRM.  CB-FIRM is concerned with the control and management by the community of the coastal and fishery resources meaning the transfer of the control and management rights over the fisheries resources and other aquatic resources (or the fish habitat) from the state of the local control.

This program was already turned over to the provincial organization of fisherfolk, i.e.  GIOS – in December 1996.  GIOS has members in the municipalities of Daram, Catbalogan, and Zumarraga.  Fish sanctuaries established and managed by the organized fishers in selected coastal barangays in Daram, Samar.  GIOS represented the municipal fisheries sector in the Regional Development Council of Region 8, Eastern Visayas as well in National Anti Poverty Commission (NAPC).  GIOS expanded in the municipality of Marabut, Samar.