FISH IMPORTS DURING CLOSED FISHING SEASON SET

The government will import 35,000 metric tons (MT) of frozen fish for wet markets in the fourth quarter of this year as major fishing grounds will be temporarily closed during the period.

The Department of Agriculture issued a memorandum circular governing the importation of 35,000 metric tons (MT) of frozen round scad (galunggong), bigeye scad, mackerel, bonito and moonfish between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31 this year.

“This order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in force unless revoked in writ ing,” the agency said in its Aug. 15 memo.

This is open only to importers who will be able to register with the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority within seven working days from the issuance of this order, provided they comply with the qualifications and relevant requirements.

The procurement of imported frozen fish and aquatic products is allowed during closed and off-fishing seasons or in times of calamities under Fisheries Administrative Order No. 259 issued in 2018.

The government implements a three-month closed fishing season in major fish breeding and spawning grounds to allow fish species to spawn and recover.

Areas covered are the Northeast Palawan Sea (from Nov, 1 to Jan. 31), Visayan Sea (from Nov. 15 to Feb. 15) and the Zamboanga Peninsula spanning the East Sulu Sea, Basilan Strait and Sibuguey Bay (from Dec. 1 to March 1).

During these times, importation is allowed to bridge the gap between local supply and demand as a temporary decline in fish production is observed.

For the latest importation round, 80 percent (28,000 MT) of the total volume will be allotted to registered importers belonging to the commercial fishing sector.