MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said closed fishing seasons in the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Visayan Sea start this Wednesday.
Based on the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1988, closed fishing season is when catching certain fish species is prohibited in some areas.
According to BFAR, under the annual implementation of the Bureau Administrative Circular No. 255, the government enforces a three-month pause on fishing sardines in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
The administrative circular establishes a closed season for the conservation of sardines in East Sulu Sea, Basilan Straight, and Sibuguey Bay — the country’s largest sardine fishing grounds, according to the bureau.
The BFAR noted that the closed sardine fishing season in the peninsula was previously adjusted from December until March, to November until February.
Fishing sardines in the Zamboanga Peninsula is not allowed until February 15, 2024, the BFAR said.
Meanwhile, in the Visayan Sea, the BFAR said catching, selling, and buying sardines, mackerel, and herring (locally known as tawilis) are prohibited from November 15 to February 15 next year.
The bureau noted that this was to protect the species in the said fishing ground during their spawning period.
As amended in 2015, fishing during closed season is unlawful and punishable under the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1988.
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