Fishing ban imposed in Visayan Sea

THE BUREAU OF Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has imposed a threemonth ban on fishing in the Visayan Sea to allow spawning that will boost production by 20 percent in one of the country’s richest fishing grounds.

Remia Aparri, Regional Director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Western Visayas, said the ban covers sardines, herrings and mackerels. “We hope to maintain or even increase production by at least 20 percent,” Aparri said.

BFAR’S Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) 167-3 prescribes the three-month fishing ban until February 15 next year, but it may be extended until March depending on the result of the study being conducted particularly on the changing spawning pattern of fish.

FAO 167-3 prohibits the catching, killing, selling or possession of sexually-mature sardines, herrings and mackerels or their larvae, fry or young known locally as “lupoy,” “silinyasi,” linatsay” or “manansi” in the portion of the Visayan Sea and adjoining waters enclosed by lines drawn through following points and coastlines.

Violators will be penalized with P6,000 fine, imprisonment of six months to six years depending on the gravity of offense, and forfeiture of the catch and cancellation of fishing permits or license.

Aparri said the BFAR noted a minimal number of violators last year, which can be attributed to higher level of awareness among fisher folk, resulting from intensified seaborne patrol activities as well as information and education campaigns.

Aparri said BFAR will further intensify the implementation of the fishing ban.(erwin Nicavera)