Visayan Sea closed season now in full enforcement

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The annual Visayan Sea closed season has entered full enforcement, with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 6 reaffirming its commitment to protect major fish stocks during their peak spawning months.

Implemented under Fisheries Administrative Order 167-3, the three-month ban prohibits the catching of sardines (tuloy, tamban, tabagak), herrings (balantiyong) and mackerels (guma-a, bulao, hasa-hasa) from Nov. 15, 2025, to Feb. 15, 2026, across designated portions of the Visayan Sea.

BFAR-6 Regional Director Remia A. Aparri, in an interview with Radyo Pilipinas Iloilo, said the seasonal ban — also known as “Pahuway sang Baybay” or Respite of the Sea — is based on scientific assessments showing that these months mark the peak spawning and juvenile development period for the three key species.

“These species are the major fish stocks in the Visayan Sea because they account for a large percentage of the catch,” Aparri said.

“Our stock assessment program shows that this period is when they release eggs, spawn, and generate a high number of fingerlings. To sustain the fisheries for the livelihood of our fisherfolk and for food security, we must manage and conserve these resources. We do not want this industry to collapse,” she added.

Aparri said no closure-related apprehensions have been recorded in the past three years, which she attributed to improved awareness and voluntary compliance among fishers.

“We have been implementing this management measure for 13 years, so fishing communities are already familiar with the closed season schedule. They know when it begins and they understand its purpose,” she said.

The enforcement zone covers a wide expanse of the Visayan Sea — from Escalante City in Negros Occidental to the tip of Sta. Fe, Cebu; continuing to the northernmost point of Madridejos, Cebu; extending to Gigantes Island in Iloilo; moving horizontally to Olotayan Island and down to Roxas City; and covering the boundary between Iloilo and Negros Occidental from the Talisay River in Barotac Nuevo to Tomonton Point in E.B. Magalona, then closing back at Danao River.

To ensure full compliance, BFAR and partner enforcement agencies continue to conduct information campaigns, policy dialogues with local governments and intensified monitoring, control and surveillance operations through coordinated seaborne patrols.