CEBU, Philippines - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-7 is facing several oppositions because of its scheduled implementation of the closed season for sexually matured sardines, herrings and mackerels at the Visayan Sea starting next month.
BFAR-7 director Andres Bojos said that opposition is expected every time a government regulation is to be implemented.
“Naay mga ni opposed and that is expected. But what is important, we will implement laws that benefit the Filipino people,†Bojos said.
Fisheries Administrative Order No. 167-3 series of 2013 signed by Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala stated that closed season will take effect on November 15, 2013 to February 15, 2014 or a period of three months.
Under this Order, it shall be unlawful for any person, association or corporation to kill or catch, purchase, sell, offer or expose for sale, or have in his possession or under his control any of those three kinds of fishes or their larvae, fry or young known locally as “lupoyâ€, “silinyasiâ€, “linatsay†or “manansi†during the closed season.
The catching or taking of these three kinds of fishes is not allowed in that portion of the Visayan Sea and adjoining waters from the mouth of Danao river in Escalante, Negros Occidental, on the northeastern tip of the Bantayan Island to Madridejos in Cebu.
Catching of the said fishes is also prohibited through the lighthouse on Gigantes Island to Olutuya Island to Culasi Point in Capiz Province, eastward along the northern coast of Capiz to Bulacaue Point in Iloilo, southward along the eastern coast of Iloilo to the mouth of Talisay river, westward across the Guimaras Strait in Tomonton Point in Negros Occidental, eastward along the northern coast of the Island of Negros and back to the mouth of Danao river.
Violators will be subjected to six months and one day to six years imprisonment and/or fine of P6,000 and forfeiture of the catch as well as cancellation of fishing permit or license.—(FREEMAN)