Sustainable fisheries certification process in the developing countries : potential of tourism industry in the Philippines

This thesis focuses on looking at market-driven approach to establishing sustainable fisheries in developing countries. Market-driven approaches consist of sustainable fisheries certification or also known as ecolabels that are based on economic incentives. The aim of this study is to identify potential certification processes suitable for the Philippines tourism industry. The study first identified criteria for sustainable fisheries certification, which was done using Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standards. Second part of the study conducted a market analysis on selected local resorts, looking at their current seafood sustainability and focusing especially on whether there is any demand for sustainable seafood supplier. Although the theoretical framework was able to identify that there are currently no suitable sustainable fisheries certification for developing countries, the result of the empirical data showed that there is demand for sustainable seafood supplier. However incentives to change their current seafood into sustainable seafood is low. Overall the study concluded that Negros Oriental Province fisheries don’t have the resources to implement a proper certification programme like Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), but the study found that there are alternative assessment tools being used that are specifically adapted to Philippine fisheries. The study also identified current gaps in fisheries industry in the Philippines, which showed that there is need for more efficient traceability tools, country specific sustainable fisheries standards, and most importantly more consumer awareness on seafood availability and seasonality.