BFAR-6 lifts Visayan Sea closed season

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Region 6 underscored the importance of science-based fisheries management during an orientation on Thursday, Feb. 19, ahead of the formal declaration lifting the Visayan Sea closed season for the 2025–2026 implementation period.

Sheryll V. Mesa, DA-BFAR 6 National Stock Assessment Program leader, said the Visayan Sea remains one of the country’s most critical fishing grounds and must be managed using data-driven policies.

Mesa said science-based management aligns fishing regulations with stock assessment results to ensure sustainability.

She clarified that the closed season is not a stand-alone regulation but part of a broader fisheries management framework.

“Closed season alone is not enough,” Mesa said, explaining that compliance with other measures, such as observing the prescribed minimum mesh size of No. 11 and above, or at least 3 centimeters, is equally crucial to protect juvenile fish and allow stocks to replenish.

The orientation also covered regulatory and safety requirements for commercial fishing operators.

Mateo C. Doyola, officer in charge of the Licensing Section of DA-BFAR 6, discussed updated requirements for the registration and renewal of commercial fishing vessels.

Engineer Leah Dela Cruz-Doromal of the National Telecommunications Commission Region 6 emphasized the importance of improved communication systems, navigation safety, and emergency response readiness for vessels operating at sea.

Engineer Bernadeth A. Longakit of the Maritime Industry Authority discussed vessel registration and documentation requirements.

BFAR outlined the step-by-step process for registering new fishing vessels.

Under Step 1, applicants must secure construction clearance from BFAR for vessels not yet constructed and obtain the application form and list of requirements.

Under Step 2, applicants must obtain from the Maritime Industry Authority a valid Certificate of Philippine Registry, Fishing Vessel Safety Certificate, and Certificate of Ownership.

Under Step 3, applicants must secure from the National Telecommunications Commission a valid Ship Station License and Marine Mobile Service Identity for catcher vessels.

Under Step 4, applicants must install a Vessel Monitoring System, schedule vessel and gear inspection, submit the Commercial Fishing Vessel License application with complete requirements and payment, and await endorsement to the BFAR Central Office for issuance.

Following the orientation, DA-BFAR formally declared the end of the Visayan Sea closed season for the 2025–2026 implementation period.

The Visayan Sea, a major source of small pelagic species in the country, undergoes an annual closed season to protect spawning stocks and support long-term sustainability.

Locally known as Pahuway sang Baybay, or “Respite of the Sea,” the conservation measure allows fish stocks to spawn and replenish.

Implemented under Fisheries Administrative Order 167-3, the three-month ban — which began on Nov. 15, 2025 — prohibits the catching of sardines (tuloy, tamban, tabagak), herrings (balantiyong), and mackerels (guma-a, bulao, hasa-hasa) within designated areas.

The enforcement zone covers portions of Negros Occidental, Cebu, and Iloilo, spanning key waters from Escalante City to Santa Fe and Madridejos in Cebu, across Gigantes Island and Olotayan Island, down to Roxas City, and along the Iloilo–Negros Occidental boundary from Barotac Nuevo to E.B. Magalona.