FIRMED – Samar Sea
The FIRMED program in the Samar Sea started in Tinambakan District, Calbayog City and Kerikite Island, Almagro in 1996. Two municipal federations of fisherfolk organizations were formed, composed of 13 barangay-level POs (People's Organizations) in 10 barangays in Tinambakan District and 13 barangay-level POs in 8 barangays in Almagro. These fisherfolk organizations installed artificial reef projects to serve as fish sanctuaries.
To protect the fisheries, the local fishery law enforcement team patrols and, when necessary, apprehends illegal fishers and commercial fishing vessels intruding on the 15-km municipal water boundary. An environmental education campaign has been conducted done in area high schools, with a manual being developed for this purpose.
