DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is implementing a three-month commercial fishing ban in Davao Gulf.
Only the hook-and-line fishing method is allowed during the fishing ban, which coincides with the spawning season for small pelagic fish.
The ban is covered by a joint department administrative order between the Department of Agriculture, with which BFAR is an attached agency, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
The Davao Gulf Management Council will oversee the implementation of the ban.
Based on a BFAR study, Davao Gulf has reached the maximum level of fisheries decline and would need immediate conservation measures.
BFAR will deploy an additional patrol boat, bringing the total to four, to effectively monitor the fishing ban.
Marine assets from the Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, and the police Maritime Group will also be deployed to assist in the monitoring.
The fishing ban, which ends in August, covers commercial fishers using the bag net and ring net methods.
Covered by the ban are fishing vessels weighing 301 to 150 tons. Violators have to pay a penalty of P100,000.
Meanwhile, BFAR is also planning to distribute 300 boat engines to affected fisherfolk. It advised fishermen to register online or submit their registration through commercial fishing operators.