Agriculture Secretary William Dar has directed the implementation of the National Sardines Management Plan (NSMP) in the Philippines to address the decline in sardine catches. The NSMP, approved in 2020, outlines guidelines and measures for sustainable fisheries management. However, its implementation has been delayed, with only FMA 7 having adopted the plan so far. Sardines are a crucial source of protein and contribute significantly to the country's economy. Experts warn of the need to implement regulatory measures to prevent further deterioration of sardine stocks due to overfishing and environmental changes. Additionally, Dar has emphasized the need for enforcing fisheries laws related to vessel monitoring and coral reef preservation.