BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources announced that it has officially lifted the three-month fishing season closure for sardines, herrings and mackerels in the Visayan Sea, effective February 15.
The closed fishing season in the Visayan Sea is implemented by BFAR annually, starting from November 15 to Feb. 15. During such period, the catching of sardines, herrings (Clupeidae) and mackerels (Scombridae) within the conservation area is prohibited.
With the strong cooperation of stakeholders, the policy is effectively enforced by virtue of Fisheries Administrative Order No. 167-3, towards ensuring the protection and conservation of such species in the Visayan Sea, BFAR said in a statement it issued.
Through its Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement Group (FPLEG), the DA-BFAR continues to harmonize its efforts in implementing Visayan Sea closed fishing season, involving different instrumentalities including municipal, provincial, and national law enforcement teams.
To further strengthen the implementation of the policy, BFAR said it has established various field stations and floating assets, as well as conducted land-based and seaborne patrol operations, market and landing denial operations, information, education and communication activities, portside boarding and inspection operations, and monitoring and surveillance operations.
In the duration of the fishing ban, BFAR reported that it has deployed 13 floating assets, which include the DA-BFAR MCS Patrol Vessel No. 3010 and BRP Enrique Jurado, eleven 30-footer patrol boats and 38 field personnel.*
