ILOILO — The three-month fishing ban in the Visayan Sea has officially been lifted, but authorities are coupling the reopening with a sweeping enforcement drive against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing to protect the gains of the conservation measure.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Western Visayas announced that the closed season, which ran from November 15, 2025 to February 15, 2026, has ended — clearing the way for thousands of fishermen to return to sea while warning that stricter monitoring will now be in place.
BFAR regional director Remia Aparri said the seasonal closure was imposed to allow overexploited fish stocks in the Visayan Sea — one of the country’s most productive fishing grounds — to spawn and recover from heavy fishing pressure.
But as fishing boats resume operations, Aparri issued a warning against illegal practices that could undermine the recovery efforts.
“IUU fishing practices not only counteract the benefits intended by the fishing ban but also jeopardize the long-term viability of vital fish stocks and the economic livelihoods of fishing families,” Aparri stressed.
Intensified enforcement
BFAR-6 said the lifting of the ban will be accompanied by one of its most intensive enforcement campaigns, targeting illegal operators in the Visayan Sea.
The crackdown will coincide with an annual prohibition on catching key pelagic species to protect spawning fish and replenish stocks, part of broader efforts to break the cycle of IUU fishing that continues to threaten marine resources.
Authorities are also set to enhance monitoring and regulatory enforcement as fishing activities resume, ensuring compliance with fisheries laws and conservation guidelines.
Balance between livelihood and conservation
Aparri emphasized that the closed season was designed not only to protect marine biodiversity but also to secure the long-term food supply and income of fishing communities dependent on the Visayan Sea.
“Our goal is to support our fishermen while also safeguarding our marine resources,” she added.
BFAR urged local fishing communities to work closely with authorities and adopt responsible fishing practices to sustain the recovery gains from the seasonal ban.
While the reopening signals renewed economic activity for coastal towns in Western Visayas, officials stressed that the real measure of success will depend on compliance — ensuring that conservation efforts translate into stronger fish stocks, stable incomes, and long-term sustainability for the region’s marine ecosystem./PN
