Mandates and Functions

The main function of NMFDC ever since its establishment in 1974 up to the present is capacity development or provision of nationwide technical trainings to fishermen and other stakeholders in the marine capture fisheries industry. In general, NMFDC serves as the training arm of BFAR in the field of marine capture fisheries at the national level. Likewise, NMFDC’s functions include, but not limited to, the provision of technical advisory assistance, perform developmental researches as well as establish, maintain and operate marine fisheries/pilot demonstration and livelihood projects in accordance with DA Special Order No. 143, s. 1996.

With the advent of modern technologies and with the enactment of the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, as amended, that provides for more stringent rules in the utilization, conservation and management of fish and fishery/aquatic resources, the demand for a more effective implementation and/or enforcement of fishery laws, rules and regulations has motivated NMFDC to evolve by adopting/acquiring innovative technologies such as floating assets and advanced vessel monitoring systems. Likewise, NMDFC developed and implemented the Philippine Fisheries Observer Program (PFOP) to address the need for fisheries observers on board Philippine-flagged fishing vessels operating in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean and comply with the requirements of relevant regional fisheries management organizations.


Specifically, NMFDC’s main activities include:

  1. Introduction and transfer of improved/tested technologies on fishing gear operation and techniques; marine engineering, navigation and seamanship; and other related training activities to various artisanal and commercial fishing sectors suitable to the country’s fishing grounds;
  2. Develop and enhance expertise, skills and competencies of BFAR technical and regulatory personnel; fisheries extension officers; students and instructors of various fisheries schools, state universities and colleges; municipal and commercial fishermen; coastal local government units; national agency partners and other interested clientele on various fishing and extension services pertaining to fishing technology, integrated fishery livelihood projects, vessel operation and maintenance, and other related fields of fisheries management, regulations, etc.;
  3. Supervise the operation and management of the Philippine Fisheries Observer Program Management Office, conduct of regular trainings, certification and deployment of fisheries observers onboard commercial fishing vessels, analysis of data, preparation and submission of technical reports and coordination to Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs);
  4. Supervise the overall operation and maintenance of the 18 units BFAR floating assets such as 1 unit 60-meter M/V DA-BFAR, 14 units of combined 30-meter and 11-meter MCS Patrol Vessels/boats, 2 units 50-meter Multi-Mission Offshore Vessels and 1 unit 25-meter FV Tambakol utilized in performing regulatory functions, trainings, collaborative researches, livelihood assistance and response to emergencies; and
  5. Undertake collaborative activities such as marine scientific researches, exploratory fishing/stock assessment surveys, provide training platforms and other technical assistance services on specialized fields of marine fisheries together with other BFAR Divisions, National Centers, Field Offices including various domestic and international fisheries and scientific institutions.

Major Programs/Projects
  1. General Operation & Administration Program
  2. Marine Capture Fisheries Training/Manpower Development Programs
  3. Philippine Fisheries Observer Program
  4. FB Pagbabago Livelihood and Development Program
  5. Capacitating Municipal Fisherfolk Program
  6. Operations and Management of MCS Patrol and Multi-Mission Vessels
  7. Operation and Management of M/V DA-BFAR