Davao City: The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Davao (BFAR-11) announced on Monday the start of this year’s three-month closed fishing season at the Davao Gulf, from June 1 to August 31. In a press briefing, Elaine Vera Belvis, BFAR-11 Fisheries Management and Regulatory Enforcement Division chief, emphasized the importance of the fishing ban for protecting small pelagic fish species and ensuring their recovery and reproduction in the region’s waters.

According to Philippines News Agency, Belvis detailed that the closed season targets the protection of key fish species such as big-eyed scad, mackerel, and round scad. She noted that a study showed the fish catch trend is either increasing or has shown positive results following the consistent implementation of this closed season. The program, now in its 12th year, strictly prohibits the use of ring nets and bag nets (basligan) regardless of tonnage, as well as modified gears with similar operations.

The fishing ban aligns with the Department of Agriculture-Department of the Interior and Local Government (DA-DILG) joint administrative order for the conservation of small fishes in Davao Gulf and the country’s existing fisheries code. The Davao Gulf, stretching from Cape San Agustin in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, to Talagotong Point in Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental, is identified as a crucial spawning ground for various small pelagic species.

Violations of the ban will result in severe penalties, including fines ranging from PHP20,000 to PHP500,000, imprisonment, confiscation of catches and fishing equipment, and revocation of fishing licenses.