3-month ‘closed season’ in Visayan Sea begins

The closed season for fishing of sardines (tuloy, tamban, tabagak), herrings (balantiyong), and mackerels (guma-a, bulao, hasa-hasa) is once again in force at the Visayan Sea starting Nov 15, 2021 to Feb 15 2022.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said that within three months, commercial and municipal fisherfolk are encouraged to take a break from catching, selling, and marketing the mentioned fishes within the established boundaries.

This period also coincides with the time for fishes to reproduce and for their juveniles to grow. The closed season will also allow the sea to rest and replenish its resources.

BFAR said this move is an approach that will ensure the protection of major fish commodities of the Visayan Sea.

It could mean a lesser income for some fishers, but this effort would be eventually beneficial not only to fisherfolk but also to the masses. It is also an attempt to safeguard the sustainable capture of these fishes as a long-term solution to declining fish stocks.

In her message, BFAR-6 Regional Director Remia Aparri said the Visayan Sea needs to rest to sustain its resources and fish stock.

“Masangkad kag tuman ka mapuslanon ang Visayan Sea. Madamo nga dunang-manggad ang nahatag kag padayon nga ginahatag sini sa aton. Apang, dapat man naton tatapon kag amligan ang Visayan Sea labi na gid kun kinahanglan sini sang pahuway,” Aparri said.

This closed season was implemented through Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) 167 series of 1989 as amended by FAO 167-3 series of 2013.

The delineation of the Visayan Sea covered by the closed season starts from Danao River in Escalante City to the tip of Sta. Fe, Cebu. It continues to the northernmost tip of Madridejos to Gigantes Island with the lighthouse as the marker. It then connects horizontally to Olotayan Island down to Roxas City.

Between Iloilo and Negros Occidental, the boundary starts from Talisay River in Barotac Nuevo to Tomonton Point in EB Magalona and eventually back to Danao River.

The Visayan Sea is a rich fishing ground. Other than sardines, herrings, and mackerels, many other marine life forms thrive here. Likewise, it has been one of the country’s top fishing grounds.

Due to its productivity, one may say that it is inexhaustible, but studies have proven that there was a noticeable decline in fish stocks in recent years.