- BFAR XI lifts fishing ban in Davao Gulf
THE ANNUAL closed fishing season in Davao Gulf was officially lifted starting Sept. 1, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) XI announced Monday.
The three-month ban, from June 1 to Aug. 31, was enforced under Joint Administrative Order No. 02 series of 2014 of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The ban aims to protect small pelagic fish species, such as, but not limited to, big-eyed scad (matambaka), mackerel (karabalyas), and round scad (galunggong).
The seasonal closure is part of the long-term strategy of the bureau to ensure the sustainability of Davao Gulf’s fisheries and aquatic resources, BFAR XI regional director Relly B. Garcia said in a statement.
“This is a science-based approach to conservation. But we also recognize the economic impact on our coastal communities, which is why we mobilized a multi-agency support initiative to assist affected fisherfolk,” Garcia said.
Davao Gulf, spanning at least 5,200 square kilometers, is considered a critical breeding ground for small and large pelagic species, including those listed in the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). To date, there are 19 marine protected areas in the five cities and five municipalities surrounding the body of water.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, Davao Region produced 16,126 metric tons of fish in the first quarter of this year, up 17.8% for the same period in 2024. Of the total, about 62% were commercial and marine fishing production, or 2,321.56 metric tons and 7,646.23 metric tons, respectively.
BFAR XI reported that the affected fisherfolk were provided aid during the closed season..
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) XI distributed 3,271 food packs across the region.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) XI provided a total of 398 chickens and 12 goats in Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, and Davao City, with additional livestock dispersal activities pending availability.
A total of 200 slots for short-term employment under its Tulong Pang-hanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program was also allocated by the Department of Labor and Employment XI.
BFAR XI-National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) continued to conduct fish stock assessment monitoring and participate in the oceanographic survey aboard led by the MV/DA-BFAR DYCA Research Vessel.
The study, which runs from Aug. 11 to Oct. 10, covers 25 sampling stations, in aid of monitoring water quality and the abundance of larval species, comparing results with previous surveys across the Gulf.
