THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Western Visayas is set to implement the three-month closed fishing season starting November 15 to allow anew the spawning of sardines, herrings, and mackerels in the Visayan Sea.
BFAR-Western Visayas Director Remia Aparri told SunStar Bacolod that the regional line agency, through the closed fishing season, targets to increase the fish production at the Visayan Sea by at least 20 percent.
“We hope to maintain or increase by 20 percent,” Aparri said, adding that for Western Visayas alone the annual production is pegged at almost 400,000 metric tons.
The three-month fishing ban until February 15 next year is mandated by the Fisheries Administrative Order 167-3.
Under which, catching, killing, selling or possession of sexually-mature sardines, herrings and mackerels or their larvae, fry or young known locally as “lupoy,” “silinyasi,” linatsay” or “manansi” in the portion of the Visayan Sea and adjoining waters enclosed by line drawn through following points and coastlines are prohibited.
Aparri earlier said P6,000 fine, imprisonment of six months to six years depending on the gravity of the offense, and forfeiture of the catch and cancellation of fishing permits or license await violators.
BFAR-Western Visayas noted a minimal number of violators last year.
Aparri attributed it to higher level awareness among fisherfolk resulted from intensified seaborne patrol activities as well as information and education campaigns.
The agency believes that, unlike before, people are now more aware of the seriousness of the government in implementing the order.
Aparri said they will do they will further intensify the implementation of the fishing ban. In fact, Capiz will now be involved through the Visayan Sea Project.
“They (Capiz) are now on board unlike before that the operation is just limited in northern portions of Iloilo, Negros and Cebu and part of Masbate,” she said, adding that they are planning to hold the kick-off program for the declaration of the closed fishing season in Capiz.
The Visayan Sea stretches from the mouth of Danac River on the north eastern tip of the Bantayan Island to Madridejos, to the lighthouse on Gigantes Island, to Clutaya Island, to Culasi Point in Capiz province, eastward along the northern coast of Capiz to Bulacaue Point in Carles, Iloilo, southward along the eastern coast of Iloilo to the mouth of Talisay River, westward across the Guimaras Strait to Tomonton Point in Occidental Negros, eastward along the northern Coast of the Island of Negros and back to the mouth of Danao River in Escalante, Negros Occidental.
Moreover, based on the existing mandate, the fishing ban will only last until February 2018.
BFAR-Western Visayas, however, said it may be extended in March depending on the result of the study being conducted particularly on the “changing” spawning pattern of fish.
The agency noted an increasing number of “lupoy” every February, which may result to depletion once the fishing ban will be lifted on the same month.
Aparri said they have yet to concretize the evidence, and having the closed season back in March is still subject to consultation.
This means that the approval and endorsement of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council is needed for the revision and amendment of FAO 167-3, Aparri said.
“The Visayan Sea is the center of marine biodiversity in the coral triangle,” she said, adding that the fish ban contributes to the protection and conservation of the country’s marine resources.