The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-11) has begun this year’s three-month closed fishing season in the Davao Gulf, which will last from June 1 to August 31.
Elaine Vera Belvis, Chief of the Fisheries Management and Regulatory Enforcement Division at BFAR-11, emphasized that the fishing ban is crucial for protecting small pelagic fish species. The seasonal closure would help the species recover and reproduce in the region’s waters.
The ban focuses on safeguarding species such as big-eyed scad, mackerel, and round scad. Research indicates that enforcing the closed season consistently has led to positive trends in fish catch numbers, with many species showing signs of growth and recovery.
Now in its 12th year, the program strictly prohibits the use of ring nets and bag nets, also known as basligan, along with any modified fishing gear that operates in the same way, regardless of vessel size.
The fishing ban follows a joint administrative order from the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DA-DILG). This order aims to conserve small fish populations in Davao Gulf, in accordance with the country’s fisheries code.
The Davao Gulf, stretching from Cape San Agustin in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, to Talagotong Point in Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental, serves as an essential spawning ground for various small pelagic species. Protecting this area is critical for preserving marine biodiversity.
Authorities will impose severe penalties on violators, including fines ranging from PHP 20,000 to PHP 500,000, imprisonment, confiscation of illegal catches and fishing gear, and the possible revocation of fishing licenses.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.