ASIDE from serving as an affordable source of protein for millions of Filipinos, sardines play an essential role in sustaining the livelihood of individuals in seaside communities that rely heavily on the production and processing the said fish for their sustenance and income. Sardines are also integral to the marine food web, acting as a primary food source for various predators such as tuna and mammals.

Unfortunately, climate change, overexploitation and overfishing — exacerbated by illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing practices — among other factors, continue to pose threats to the sustainability of sardine production in the country.