BFAR to Declare February 15 as Start of Fishing Season in Visayan Sea

The fishing season for sardines, mackerel and herrings in the Visayan Sea will officially start February 15, according to Regional Director Remia A. Aparri of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Western Visayas.

Aparri said fishery stakeholders will gather Thursday next week in Barangay Pawa, Panay in Capiz for a ceremony that will formally open the fishing season. She revealed that BFAR directors from Regions 5, 7, 8 and 8 will be joining the activity since their coastal waters are also included in the Visayan Sea.

BFAR declared a three-month closed season for sardines, mackerel and herrings starting November 15 last year as these are the spawning period for the fish species.

She cited that the annual increase of fisheries production as a result of the initiative is at 3.58 percent.

Local chief executives of host municipal waters will also be invited so that from what they will see in the presentations during the program they would be able to “come up with plans and policies in managing their waters within the Visayan Sea.”

Meanwhile, Aparri revealed that community fish landing centers were turned over to Miagao and San Joaquin towns of Iloilo last January 31. The landing centers would serve as venue for fisherfolks to consolidate fish catch in one area and promote trading.

Also, BFAR introduced to project recipients food safety and proper handling to reduce post-harvest losses.

This February 10, a fiberglass boat and fishing gears will also be turned over to their respective recipients in Nabas, Aklan. These are funded under the Bottom-Up Budgeting program of BFAR. (PNA)LAP/PGLENA/CBF