Ban on ludong fishing hit

MANILA, Philippines - A fisherfolk group yesterday criticized an order of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) prohibiting ludong fishing, particularly in the rivers of Cagayan Valley, Nueva Vizcaya and Abra.

Salvador France, of the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya), blamed BFAR for the depletion of the specie.

“The BFAR is responsible for the dwindling of ludong, as it continues issuing permits to private fishing companies and individuals, who use illegal methods of fishing,” France said in a statement.

The group said the illegal activities of these companies and individuals affected the small fishermen.

“The small fishermen should not be included in the BFAR’s ban on ludong fishing. The order should only cover the big fishing companies,” France said.

The BFAR has banned ludong fishing in the rivers of Cagayan Valley, Nueva Vizcaya and Abra from Oct. 1 to Nov. 15. It said it is during this period when the female fish pass through these rivers on their way to the open seas to spawn.

Ludong, known as the President’s fish, sells at P5,000 per kilo.