The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region XI (BFAR XI) announces the start of the 11th annual Closed Fishing Season in Davao Gulf from June 1 until August 31. This initiative aims to conserve small pelagic fishes and allow the key fishing ground to replenish and recover.
The months from June to August are the spawning period of small pelagic fishes like Big-Eyed Scad (Matambaka/Matangbaka), Mackerel (Karabalyas/Alumahan), Scad (Galunggong), and Moonfish (Bilong-bilong).
During closed season, the use of bag net and ring net regardless of tonnage and/or modified fishing gears with similar fishing operations, is strictly prohibited. However, municipal fisherfolk using hook and line or other permitted gears are allowed to fish provided they possess proper permits.
Violators of this regulation will face fines ranging from P20,000 to P500,000 or higher, depending on the severity of the offense. Convicted offenders may also be subject to imprisonment, confiscation of catch and fishing equipment, and the revocation of fishing licenses, as stated in Section 100 “Fishing During Closed Season” of Republic Act (RA) 10654, which amends RA 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.
In a commencement program held on May 31, 2024, at Davao Fish Port Complex, Toril, Davao City, various partner agencies and stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to uphold the Davao Gulf Closed Season.
The event saw the presence of key officials and representatives such as DA XI Regional Executive Director Macario D. Gonzaga, DILG XI Rep. Mike Cañada, PFDA-Davao Port Manager Engr. Albert P. Aguinaldo, MARINA XI Rep. Atty. Genevieve Calzada, LGU-Davao City Agriculturist Edgardo Haspe, Barog Katawhan sa Governor Generoso Multi-Purpose Cooperative Rep. Jerry Dela Cerna, and BFAR Central Office-Vessel Operations Center Rep. Khrysna Martinez.
Further, also present were officials from law enforcement agencies including Philippine Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao Commodore Rejard Marfe, MCS 3007 CG Capt Wendell Soliva, PNP-Maritime Group Regional Maritime Unit XI PMaj Jeric Miraña, Police Regional Office XI PLt Absarah Kansi, as well as representatives from the academe, Dr. Rosie Lynn Tejada from Davao del Norte State College (DNSC), and Dr. Marlyn LLameg from Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST). Representatives from Commercial Fishing Vessel Operators’ group were also present in the persons of Maricel Gendoy of Elmin Fishing and Dorothy B. Ismael of DCG Fishing.
Based on the testimonies of the fisherfolk leaders, the closed fishing season has shown to be beneficial for the municipal fisherfolk. This was asserted by Morcid Surail, Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC) Chairperson of Lupon, Davao Oriental, and Quirsito T. Cajegas, MFARMC Chairperson of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, through the audiovisual presentation.
Furthermore, the National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) regularly conducts fish stock assessment and monitoring in relation to Davao Gulf Closed Season. The NSAP reported a significant increase of 17% in the landed catch, from 5,279 MT in 2022 to 6,180 MT in 2023. This increase reflects a positive trend in the fish production of small pelagic species in the Gulf.
BFAR XI OIC Regional Director Relly B. Garcia, expressed gratitude to the partner agencies, law enforcement agencies, and stakeholders for their firm support.
“The most outstanding achievements are attained when organizations work independently yet united toward a common goal,” Dir. Garcia said.
This year, Dir. Garcia announced that BFAR XI will intensify law enforcement efforts in Davao Gulf. To strengthen enforcement measures, BFAR XI coordinated with DA-BFAR Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) 3007 Vessel manned by the Philippine Coast Guard. In addition, collaborations with local government units and law enforcement agencies are in place to monitor and deter Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing.
“We must work together to combat IUU fishing and promote sustainable fishing practices to ensure the long-term health of our oceans and coastal communities,” Dir. Garcia emphasized.
The collaboration and commitment of all stakeholders are essential to the success of these initiatives. BFAR XI urges the public to comply with the regulations and report illegal fishing activities to local authorities.
