Fisherfolk in Western Visayas have returned to the waters as the annual three-month closed season for herrings, mackerels, and sardines officially ended.
The closure, which ran from November 15, 2025, to February 15, 2026, aimed to protect pelagic species during peak spawning and ensure the long-term recovery of fish stocks in the Visayan Sea.
The ceremonial reopening was led by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 6 (BFAR 6) in coordination with the local governments of Carles, Iloilo, and partner agencies.
The closure affected fishing grounds across Capiz, Iloilo, Cebu, and Negros Occidental, one of the country’s most productive fishing regions.
“Technology strengthens governance, but it must be paired with cooperation on the ground,” said BFAR-6 Regional Director Remia Aparri.
“By temporarily halting fishing, we allow spawning and stock recovery. We are not just protecting fish—we are protecting livelihoods, productivity, and food security.”
During the three-month closure, authorities combined strict enforcement with education campaigns to encourage voluntary compliance.
BFAR conducted 74 joint information and education activities, complemented by 26 social media and radio engagements, reaching over 2.07 million stakeholders.
Enforcement operations were also intensified, including 461 seaborne patrols and 257 land-based inspections.
While no direct violations of the closure were reported, authorities apprehended 95 fishing vessels, filed 9 administrative cases, 6 criminal cases, and recorded 31 municipal ordinance violations—underscoring the importance of ongoing vigilance.
“Management is a shared responsibility,” Aparri emphasized. “From commercial waters managed by BFAR to municipal waters under LGU jurisdiction, everyone must work together to ensure sustainable fishing.”
As fishing resumes, BFAR reminded fisherfolk to adhere to regulations, including proper vessel registration, the use of legal fishing gears, and respecting municipal waters and marine protected areas.
Local governments are also urged to strengthen enforcement, continue public awareness campaigns, and expand marine protected zones.
The Visayan Sea supports over 200,000 registered municipal fisherfolk and remains a crucial contributor to national food security.
“The Visayan Sea is vast, vital, and vulnerable,” Aparri said. “With science, cooperation, and discipline, it can remain sustainable. As we reopen the waters, let’s fish responsibly so future generations can continue to benefit from its abundance.”IMT
