Extent of implementation of vessel monitoring system: Perceived challenges and opportunities of commercial fishing vessel operators in Infanta, Quezon

There is a shortage of studies in the Philippines that address the challenges and opportunities associated with the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS). This study aimed to determine the extent of challenges and opportunities related to VMS and to investigate whether these factors significantly affect adoption and compliance. A descriptive, non-experimental quantitative survey was conducted, involving 76 CFV operators with installed VMS-100 transponders and 10 BFAR Regulatory Officers. Simple random sampling was employed to select respondents from Infanta, Quezon, and a 4-point Likert Scale was used to measure perceptions of challenges and opportunities. Data were analyzed using means, percentages, and Pearsons r, with a two-tailed test to examine significant correlations between variables at significance levels of p≤0.05 and p≤0.01. Results indicated that the overall level of challenge was moderately high (x̄=2.50, S.D.=0.40) regarding VMSs impact on daily operations and moderately low (x̄=2.09, S.D.=0.40) concerning support for VMS implementation. The perceived opportunities were high (x̄=3.32, S.D.=0.39) for the benefits experienced from using VMS, moderately high (x̄=3.05, S.D.=0.33) in terms of its contribution to fishing operations, and high (x̄=3.28, S.D.=0.32) regarding its usefulness. The study also revealed high levels of adoption and compliance, as evidenced by the likelihood of using VMS in the future (x̄=3.41, S.D.=0.38), awareness and understanding (x̄=3.58, S.D.=0.35), and adherence to Section 1 of FAO 266, series of 2020 (x̄=3.79, S.D.=0.42). Significant correlations were found between training and impact on daily operations (p=0.00206), likelihood of using VMS with benefits (p=0.00001), extent of contribution (p=0.00088), and usefulness (p=0.00542), as well as between awareness and understanding of VMS with benefits (p=0.02277) and usefulness (p=0.03927). In conclusion, the study revealed that respondents perceived the opportunities associated with VMS as significantly affecting adoption and compliance. To further substantiate these findings, a more in-depth study employing a mixed-methods approach is recommended.