By: Joan Andrea Toledo
Board Director, Indo-Pacific Alliance, Philippines
The Bajau Laut community will be able to reduce food insecurity through the provision of Indian indigenous technology and expertise through the technical assistance of the Indo-Pacific Alliance and the Maritime Research Center of India.
In the Philippines, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the fisheries sector offers transformative opportunities for enhancing the livelihoods of ordinary fisherfolk.
Fishermen can be trained to utilize these localized AI models, which can help them achieve higher, more stable incomes by adapting to fluctuating market conditions.
Introduction
The Bajau people have been crisscrossing the waters of the Sulu Sea for centuries. To the Bajau, a “border” is merely the farthest distance they can reach by boat. They are exceptional divers; they can stay underwater for up to 10 minutes at depths of 200 feet. Their diet consists of seafood (The Guardian, August 10, 2023).
The Bajau Laut communities in the Davao Region and Northern Mindanao comprise a large section of undocumented Filipinos. They do not see the necessity of obtaining a Philippine national identification document, as they frequently cross borders. Due to their lack of national documents, they are unable to get social security benefits, health and education benefits, as well as financial and food aid assistance during typhoons.
Given this situation, the Indo-Pacific Alliance, an ocean think tank in the Philippines, wants to establish a partnership with the Maritime Research Center, headed by its Founder and Director, Dr (Cdr) Arnab Das, aims to learn about Indian indigenous technologies to assist ocean-dependent communities, such as the Bajau Laut. Indian maritime security experts have been at the forefront of technologies that uplift the livelihood of fishing communities.
Food Security
Food Security is national security. A foremost concern of the Philippines is ensuring food security for coastal and fishing communities. These communities regularly rely on aquatic animals from marine and freshwater environments, whether taken from wild capture or produced in a cultured setting. These types of food remain an important source of protein and micronutrients for them.
Filipinos generally source most of the aquatic food or fish they consume from the ocean. However, fish supply deficits are an increasing problem (Jocson, 2022). To meet food demand, the Philippines has become a net fish importer in 2022 (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, 2022).
For example, in a study on fish demand, the Philippines requires 1.67 million metric tons more fish per year by 2050 to at least maintain its current per capita fish consumption of 34.27 kg annually. The mismanagement of inland and marine fisheries will further widen the gap in fish supply. However, efforts in rebuilding overfished fisheries, restoring degraded habitats crucial to supporting productive fisheries, addressing current threats to fisheries sustainability, and expanding sustainable marine aquaculture will help meet the future fish demand in the Philippines (Cabral et. al., 2023).
Given this critical food security situation, a national response has been implemented. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., has directed the Department of Agriculture to increase the country’s fish supply, repair the fish habitats, and buy larger boats in order to help fishing communities and cooperatives regain better productivity. Having bigger boats will allow them to fish more and be more efficient. President Marcos wanted to provide the fishermen with livestock and seaweed farming to increase their income. He further directed the department to provide additional cold storage and postharvest facilities, apply policies that will reduce the prices of agricultural commodities and enhance agricultural production, present proposed amendments to the Philippine Fisheries Code, and draft an Executive Order on Strategic Agriculture and Fisheries Development Zones (Manila Bulletin, January 16, 2024).
Furthermore, a strategic solution to this food security concern is to promote the sustainable fish production potential of marine and inland capture fisheries and to focus on improving the aquaculture production trajectory. Additionally, mariculture production can expand, and sourcing most of the fish is highly feasible; however, it will need essential technology, infrastructure, research, and investments.
Indo-Pacific Alliance Partnership with the Maritime Research Center, India
The Indo-Pacific Alliance, a Philippine-based Ocean think tank, wants to establish a close partnership with the Maritime Research Center, India, in order to learn, understand, and implement Indian indigenous technologies that foster sustainable livelihood opportunities as well as enable optimal wild fisheries production from inland and marine environments for ocean-dependent communities.
In the Philippines, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the fisheries sector offers transformative opportunities for enhancing the livelihoods of ordinary fisherfolk. For instance, the Maritime Research Center has developed AI-driven models to assist fishermen in accessing real-time market prices for their aquatic catch in local fish markets. This empowers them to make informed decisions about when and where to sell their fish, maximizing their earnings based on market demand. Fishermen can be trained to utilize these localized AI models, which can help them achieve higher, more stable incomes by adapting to fluctuating market conditions.
Another promising solution is the development of a technology system that allows fishermen to upload data about fishing conditions in traditional fishing grounds. This system can track fish stock trends over time, providing valuable insights into the availability of aquatic species in particular areas. By integrating AI-powered analytics, this system could predict optimal fishing times and locations, thereby enhancing the daily catch.
To further augment productivity, AI can be incorporated into radar and sonar technologies. When equipped with these devices, fishermen can gain real-time insights into the location and abundance of fish, enabling them to target productive fishing grounds more efficiently. These sonar and radar devices can be linked to cloud-based platforms that offer real-time analysis of fish stock, providing predictive data on fish movement patterns. This technology would be especially valuable for remote or underserved communities, such as the Bajau people, who rely on traditional fishing practices but have limited access to advanced tools. By combining local knowledge with AI analytics, these communities can greatly increase their catch and income potential.
Moreover, the installation of GPS-enabled technology on fishing boats can allow authorities such as the Indo-Pacific Alliance and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to monitor fishing activities in real time. This data can be used to advise fishermen on the locations of rich fishing grounds, as well as to ensure sustainable practices by monitoring overfishing and enforcing protected marine areas. These GPS systems present safety features, offering real-time location tracking in case of emergencies or adverse weather conditions.
The integration of AI, radar, sonar, and GPS technologies creates a holistic ecosystem that not only enhances the financial stability of fishermen but also promotes sustainability and safety in the fisheries sector.
Innovative AI Solutions for Fisherfolk:
1. AI-Powered Fish Prediction Models: Using machine learning, AI could predict seasonal fish migration patterns, helping fishermen identify optimal fishing times based on weather, water temperature, and other environmental factors.
2. Smart Fishing Nets: AI could be used to develop smart fishing nets equipped with sensors that detect fish size and species, helping fishermen avoid catching undersized or protected species and promoting sustainable practices.
3. AI-Based Supply Chain Optimization: Beyond pricing, AI could assist fisherfolk in improving supply chain logistics by optimizing routes for transporting their catch to markets, reducing spoilage, and increasing profitability.
4. Augmented Reality (AR) for Navigation and Fish Identification: Using AI-powered AR, fishermen could be guided to the best fishing grounds, identify different fish species, and receive real-time feedback on their fishing methods—all through a simple smartphone or wearable device.
5. AI-Driven Fish Conservation Initiatives: Local communities could also benefit from AI systems designed to monitor and maintain sustainable fishing practices, such as identifying overfished areas, providing data on fish regeneration, and implementing best practices for ecological balance.
The sustainability of food production depends on the local participation and distinct contributions of each interested stakeholder. Enhancing local participation of fisherfolk and women ensures that livelihood expansion is equitable and just, which are key components of sustainability. Briefly, an increased local participation leads to rising total fish production.
Therefore, the Indo-Pacific Alliance can work together with the coastal communities on establishing partnerships between fish hatcheries, backyard nurseries, and fishing folks as a way to foster collaboration and cost reduction within the value chain. To add, the Indo-Pacific Alliance will promote investment in scalable hatcheries, nurseries, and breeding programs in order to achieve a sustainable supply of high-quality and high-output local fish seeds. The Indo-Pacific researchers will further focus on the cost efficiency of input and processes along the value chain, and offer guidance towards the preferential employment of local fishers and women. Moreover, if provided international funding support, the Indo-Pacific Alliance may offer environmental monitoring, information sharing, and management that is adaptive, dynamic, and collaborative to respond effectively to evolving conditions in the maritime sector. An annual report that is provided to government, commercial, and local stakeholders will foster collaboration and efficiencies across multiple sectors.
Conclusion
Domestic food security is generally accepted as a matter of national security for sovereign countries globally. Food security in the United States is a matter of U.S. national security (Center for Strategic and International Studies, May 21, 2025). Food insecurity may lead to hunger and malnutrition in other countries. Therefore, achieving food security is a paramount objective for all countries.
Local participation of women and fishing folk is integral to the development of the attainment of food security from planning to implementation. The reliable service and strength of commitment of the Indo-Pacific Alliance and the Maritime Research Center teams in helping the Bajau Laut community achieve food security will help reshape maritime governance in the region.
References
- BFAR. (2022). Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Philippine Fisheries Profile 2021; [Accessed 13 May 2025]. https://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/wp-content/ uploads/2022/11/2021-Fisheries-Profile- FINAL-FILE.pdf
- Center for Strategic and International Studies. (May 21, 2025). “ Is Food Security National Security?”
- Cabral et al. (2023). “Ensuring Aquatic Food Security in the Philippines.” The Philippine Journal of Fisheries 30(2): 298-313. DOI: 10.31398/tpjf/30.2.2022-0031.
- Jocson LMJC. (2022). “BFAR says fisheries modernization goal is to reduce import reliance.” BusinessWorld; [Accessed 18 May 2025]. https://www.bworldonline.com/ economy/2022/08/24/470425/bfar-says- fisheries-modernization-goal-is-to-reduce- import-reliance/
- Manila Bulletin. (January 16, 2024). “President Marcos directs the DA to increase the PH fish production.”
- The Guardian. (August 10, 2023). “Nomads of the sea: the Bajau Laut face up to a future on land.”
Ms Joan Andrea Toledo
About Author
Ms Joan Andrea Toledo is the Board Director at the Indo-Pacific Alliance, an Ocean-based Think Tank based in the Philippines. Ms. Toledo is also a guest professor at the National Police College, Philippines, and a book author with Palgrave Macmillan on security issues.