The bantay dagat, also known as the sea patrol, are community-based, volunteer organizations in the Philippines that work with local and national government officials and within 15 kilometers of the shore to protect the marine environment, especially patrolling against illegal fishing, and to provide assistance in rescue operations.
It is under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of the Philippine Department of Agriculture.
Bantay Dagat is "a participatory approach designed for coastal law enforcement which has existed in the Philippines since the 1970s.
"[1] The current structure was founded in 1994 at the behest of Philippine Senator Santanina Rasul.
[3] The volunteers may receive a small honorarium as well as other benefits, similar to Philippine tanods, land-based, community watchmen.