ILOILO City – Fishermen are observing the three-month closed season in the Visayan Sea leading to the 20 percent jump in the production of sardines, herrings and mackerels, reported the regional director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Western Visayas (BFAR-6).
Remia Aparri, in her presentation during the 10th Visayas Sea Governors Summit at the Sheridan Boutique Resort in Oton, Iloilo, noted the reduction of detection of fishing vessels in the Visayan Sea during the closed season, every Nov. 15 until Feb. 15.
The three-month closed season was established through Fisheries Administrative Order 167-3, mainly to conserve sardines, herrings and mackerels in the Visayan Sea. It particularly prohibits the catching, killing, selling or possession of the said fish species.
“The awareness for compliance that they (fishermen) should not fish during closed season is the reason why there is a reduction,” she said in a follow up interview.
There is around 349 commercial fishing vessels operating in the Visayan Sea but during closed season, the number go down to less than 50 vessels, she added.
Aparri said violators are subject to a fine of PHP6,000, imprisonment of six months to six years, depending on the gravity of offense and forfeiture of the catch and cancellation of fishing permit or license.
Meantime, Aparri noted that there was really a boost in the production of sardines, herrings and mackerels.
“Based on our report, there is 20 percent increase in production after the observance of closed season,” she said, however, she failed to provide figures.
She attributed the increase to the less fishing activities giving the species mentioned time to reproduce and for the small young fish to mature.
As the month of November nears, Aparri said they are starting to meet with various enforcement agencies in the region and Bantay-Dagat groups of local government units to lay down preparations on how to enforce the closed season.
“We hope that our fishermen will continue to become compliant in the coming closed season,” she said. (PNA)
