BFAR reopens Visayan Sea for commercial fishing

CEBU, Philippines — The Visayan Sea is now open for commercial fishing after the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources lifted on Saturday, February 15, the temporary fishing ban it imposed November last year for the spawning season of sardines, mackerels, and herrings.

BFAR-7 Director Allan Poquita said that starting last Sunday fishermen were already allowed to catch the three species specifically covered in the three-month fishing ban.

"Sugod February 16 makakuha na ang atong mga fishermen og isda but they should only use the legal methods of fishing," Poquita said.

Poquita also urged the local government units to encourage fisherfolks not to use fine mesh nets so that juvenile fishes will be spared and allow them to grow.

 "Mao na akong awhag sa atong mga local governments sa pagdili sa mga mangingisda sa ilang lugar nga dili mogamit og fine mesh nets aron dili maapil og kuha ning mga juvenile fish or gagmay nga mga isda," Poquita said.

  He said fishermen should only catch fish that measures at least 32 centimeters.

BFAR-7 closed a portion of the Visayan Sea to commercial fishing on November 15 to allow the mackerels, sardines, and herrings to flourish during the spawning season.

  Sardines and herrings are known in the Visayas as tamban or malalangsi and tuloy, respectively, while mackerel is locally known as tamarong or anduhaw.

 Among the coastal areas that bounds the Visayan Sea are Bogo City and the towns of San Remigio, Daanbantayan, Medellin, Santa Fe, Bantayan, and Madridejos.

The Visayan Sea, which is one of the country's largest fishing grounds, is surrounded by the islands of Cebu and Negros to the south; Masbate to the north; Panay to the west; and Leyte to the east. (FREEMAN)