BFAR-7 calls for stringent conservation measures as closed season is lifted in the Visayan Sea

MINERVA BC NEWMAN

CEBU CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Central Visayas (BFAR-7) called on concerned stakeholders to push for the strict marine management and conservation measures to reinforce the lifting of the closed fishing season policy in portion of the Visayan Sea.

According to BFAR-7 regional director Dr. Allan Paquita that the closed season in portion of the Visayan Sea has ended officially on February 15 and there is a need for local officials and the City or Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (FARMCs) in the involved areas to initiate or revive legislations that would ensure that fish stocks in the Visayan Sea are managed properly.

“We have guarded our waters to make sure that the protected species could spawn and grow in number and we do not want to waste our efforts.  We call on our partner LGU's and other stakeholders to also do their share in conserving our marine resources to avoid overfishing,” Poquita said.

This move aimed to sustain the livelihood of the small-scale or municipal fisherfolk.  Fishers are now allowed to catch certain pelagic species, namely sardines, herrings and mackerels, which typically experience their annual spawning period in the Visayan Sea from November 15 to February 15 the following year.

Poquita however, said that for a span of three months, the young species would not yet fully mature and fisherfolks tend to increase effort in catching these species after being restricted for three months.

He said local officials may set an extension of the closed season to give more time for the young fish to grow into "marketable" size, which could be of higher value and of an advantage to the fishermen's income.

Poquita added that local officials could also impose stringent measures on banning the catching of juvenile fish, which may still turn into adult species that could lay eggs; sustaining further the fish population in the Visayan Sea which is one of the country’s largest fishing grounds.

Poquita said that in the absence of a national legislation local officials and FARMC officers may come up with or enact an ordinance or local orders that would establish these policies, provide prohibitions, and stipulate sanctions for violators.

People should also learn and support the bureau's advocacy on sustainable fishing since there is a high chance that marine resources may deplete if exploited indiscriminately. Proper management of fish stocks comes timely as more people may rely on fish meat with the emergence of African swine flu and other animal diseases, Poquita stated.

He asked for the cooperation of and support from all concerned stakeholders especially at this time of crisis to maximize the available resources that have been the source of food and income to the marginalized fishing communities.