The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said the annual closed fishing season for galunggong – also called round scad – has led to the increase of its stocks, citing the success of the annual fishing cycle.
BFAR said the annual fishing ban led to the increased volume of galunggong production during the third quarter of 2024, reaching 3,363.75 metric tons (MT) – “a sequential increase of 55.1 percent.”
Galunggong was the top contributor to the total commercial fish production in MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan) as it represented 27.1 percent of the total fish catch.
“Enforcement of the fishing cycle has also led to a decrease in fishing mortality and the amount of immature galunggong in the catch,” the statement read.
“The round scad also showed an increase in average length from 16.8 centimeters in 2015 to 17.6 centimeters in 2024, suggesting ‘improved growth and a healthier, more mature population,’” it added.
BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig said the fishing cycle allows galunggong to thrive in Palawan waters and its success ensures a balance in ecological and economical interests in the local fishing industry.
“The success of the annual round scad fishing cycle in Palawan shows what we can do together through science and discipline. It proves that science-based conservation is not a hindrance to the fishing industry, but its greatest ally,” Salilig said.
He said the National Stock Assessment Program confirmed the positive development.
The official also expressed his gratitude to the Palawan fishing community for their compliance with the yearly fishing cycle, which has been enforced for over a decade already.
“By respecting the natural spawning cycles of the galunggong, we are not just protecting an ecosystem; we are securing the food supply and the livelihoods of thousands of Filipino fishers for years to come,” said Salilig.
The closed season for commercial fishing of galunggong in Northern Palawan runs from November 1 to January 31 each year and is lifted between February 1 and October 31.
The fishing cycle, implemented through a 2015 administrative order, covers waters in the West Philippine Sea and the Northern Sulu Sea.
Authorities said the policy helps keep key breeding grounds largely undisturbed during the closed season, protecting the species during its peak spawning period. (ABS-CBN News)
