Tetra Tech Celebrates Flagship Program Achievements in the Philippines
Commemorating 30 years of coastal zone and marine resources management improvement in the Philippines
In June 2017 Tetra Tech celebrated five years of achievements by the Ecosystems Improved for Sustainable Fisheries (ECOFISH) project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Tetra Tech and the ECOFISH team used innovative interventions and technological solutions to conserve marine biodiversity, enhance ecosystem productivity, and restore profitability of fisheries in key marine biodiverse areas. The project is the latest contribution to Tetra Tech’s decades-long legacy of enhancing ecosystem productivity, conserving marine biodiversity, and improving fisheries and livelihoods throughout the Asia Pacific region.
In commemoration of the ECOFISH project’s conclusion and National Ocean Month, project partners joined officials from USAID, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, and Philippine government for a celebratory event in Manila. The event was called “Pagbalong: From the Seas, Nourishing Life” to commemorate upwellings—phenomena that bring deep, nutrient-rich water to the ocean’s surface, in turn producing abundant marine life and bountiful fishing harvests. The ceremony brought more than 200 stakeholders together to share lessons learned, celebrate project successes, and honor “Ocean Champions” for their passion and leadership throughout the project. Attendees were treated to local song and dance and saw their work come full circle as they enjoyed sustainably-sourced seafood from the oceans they helped thrive.
During the celebration, dignitaries shared messages of hope for the future of marine productivity, including Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo, U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Klecheski, and Tetra Tech Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Dan Batrack.
"In partnership with the Philippine government, the ECOFISH project improved biodiversity conservation in eight critical locations, ensuring that Filipinos, both today and in the future, benefit from productive fisheries and the robust ecosystem services that healthy marine environments provide."
—U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Klecheski
“As stewards of this planet, we must ensure that our natural resources are efficiently managed for future generations,” Vice President Robredo remarked. “This includes the conservation and protection of our waters and marine life.”
The ECOFISH project worked in eight marine biodiversity areas, helping local governments and community players improve fisheries management and combat illegal fishing practices that threaten ocean ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. The ECOFISH team collaborated across private and public sectors to incorporate innovative technology and capacity building measures for community-led, sustainable impact. Among many ECOFISH achievements, Tetra Tech helped improve the management of more than 800,000 hectares of marine waters in 40 municipalities in the Philippines.
The event in Manila was a fitting celebration of ECOFISH’s achievements and legacy, which is already fostering future initiatives for the conservation, protection, and sustainable management of coastal and ocean resources.
Learn more about ECOFISH:
