THE BUREAU of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is again implementing its annual closed season in the Visayan Sea starting November 15. This measure, which prohibits fishing, buying, consuming, and selling of certain fish species, particularly sardines, herrings, and mackerels, until February 15, 2025, is a good model of fisheries management—one that provides ecological and economic benefits to the region’s coastal communities.
Western Visayas is home to some of the country’s richest fishing grounds and a key player in the Philippines’ seafood supply. The closed season, mandated under Fisheries Administrative Order No. 167-3, is strategically timed to coincide with the spawning season of Bali sardine, short-bodied mackerel, and Indian mackerel. By pausing fishing activities during this critical period, BFAR ensures that these fish have the opportunity to mature and reproduce. The success of this effort has been reflected in the increased abundance of these species during the summer months, a positive trend that benefits the local economy by boosting fish availability in subsequent open seasons.
The closed season is also a model for effective resource management. Western Visayas, particularly in areas like Northern Iloilo and Antique, has reaped the rewards of BFAR’s conservation measures. According to Regional Director Remia Aparri, compliance with the closed season has been strong among fisherfolk, with no recorded violations in recent years. This reflects the effectiveness of BFAR’s outreach and the growing awareness among local communities about the importance of sustainable practices. By honoring the closed season, fishers are effectively investing in their own future, recognizing that short-term sacrifices can yield long-term gains.
Yet, while the closed season has proven effective, challenges remain. Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices, such as super hulbot-hulbot, dynamite fishing, and the use of Danish seines, continue to threaten marine biodiversity. These destructive methods not only devastate fish populations but also damage critical habitats like coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrasses that sustain a myriad of marine life. Addressing IUU fishing requires vigilance from local government units (LGUs), fisherfolk, and the communities who depend on the sea. BFAR’s partnership with these stakeholders is crucial to ensuring that illegal fishing activities are reported and curtailed.
The benefits of BFAR’s closed season are not confined to environmental gains. The economic stability of over 100,000 fisherfolk across the Visayas relies on the health of the Visayan Sea. A thriving fish population ensures a steady source of income for these families, who depend on fishing as their primary livelihood. In this way, the closed season is a blueprint for balancing conservation and economic resilience.
