No. of :

No. of Shares:

Currently viewed by: Marcus Rosit

BFAR-XI declares resumption of commercial fishing in Davao Gulf

DAVAO CITY (PIA) --The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) XI officially declared on August 31 the resumption of commercial fishing in the Davao Gulf, following the successful implementation of the three-month closed season in the area to give small pelagic fishes and the fishing ground to spawn and recover.

During the culmination activity for the 10th year implementation of the closed season in Davao Gulf, BFAR-XI Regional Director Raul Millana said that the closed season has gainfully improved the catch in the gulf since the start of its implementation.

“I’m very proud nga ang Davao region… taas atong production, labi na sa atong (our production is high, especially in our) aquaculture,” Millana said.

BFAR-XI recorded a 27 percent increase in fish catch in the areas, from 4,150 metric tons in 2020 to 5,279 metric tons in 2022.

Meantime, Millana revealed that during the closed season, BFAR-XI apprehended two violators of unauthorized fishing in municipal waters and engaging in fishing activities during the period. The violations happened in Malita, Davao Occidental and in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

He said that these cases have been resolved, and the offended parties were given appropriate penalties.

He admitted that illegal fishing in the area is inevitable, especially among fisherfolks, who have a hard time surviving their daily lives.

“Tungod sa kawad-on siguro nakasabot ta, pero I hope nga ma-realize na ninyo, kay dili lang kamo ang mag suffer even atong mga coming generation (We understand this maybe because of poverty, but I hope they will realize because it’s not only them who will suffer, but also our coming generation),” he said.

Millan advised affected fisherfolks to coordinate with the agency, as they have programs and assistance such as sustainable livelihood for them in the region.

Pursuant to the Joint Administrative Order No. 02 between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the three-month closed season in the Davao Gulf, which runs from June 1 to August 31 every year, aims at giving a spawning season of pelagic fishes in the area and giving the fishing area time to recover.

During the closed season, fishing of small pelagic fishes like mackerel scad, big-eyed scad, and “karabalyas” and using of bag nets and ring nets are prohibited

The Davao Gulf, which has an area of 308,000 hectares that spans over 10 coastal municipalities in Davao region – from Malita in Davao Occidental in the south to Boston in Davao Oriental in the east, has a rich marine biodiversity. (ASO/CLC, PIA-XI)

About the Author

Antonino Oblianda

Job Order

Region 11

Feedback / Comment

Get in touch