Iloilo city: The Regional Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (RIATF-IUUF) in Western Visayas is ramping up its enforcement efforts in anticipation of the Visayan Sea closed season commencing on November 15.

According to Philippines News Agency, during its third quarterly meeting, the task force revealed that it had confiscated PHP13.2 million worth of fish and fishing paraphernalia as a result of 577 seaborne patrol operations conducted from January to September this year. These operations resulted in the apprehension of 551 individuals and 218 fishing vessels, along with the filing of 32 legal cases.

In addition to sea patrols, the task force executed 432 land-based enforcement activities, leading to the seizure of 4,039 kilograms of illegally caught fish and other fishing paraphernalia and gear. These accomplishments were based on reports from the Philippine Coast Guard District Western Visayas, the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas, the Regional Maritime Unit Western Visayas, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

BFAR Director Remia Aparri emphasized the importance of building on the region’s achievements, highlighting its science-based management approach, strong enforcement coordination, and commitment to ecological and social justice.

During the meeting, Maria Aimee Sobrevega, officer-in-charge of the BFAR 6 Fisheries Resource Management Section, presented the implementation framework and ecological significance of the Visayan Sea Closed Season under Fisheries Administrative Order No. 167-3. She noted that the annual three-month closure is crucial for protecting the spawning grounds of sardines, herrings, and mackerel, which are essential for the region’s ecosystem and the livelihoods of many coastal communities.