CAPIZ — The provincial government is preparing livelihood assistance, information campaigns and stricter sea patrols ahead of the three-month closed fishing season in the Visayan Sea, which will run from November 15, 2026, to February 15, 2027.
Officials of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Capiz Field Office presented the implementation plan to Gov. Fredenil H. Castro during a meeting at the Provincial Capitol on October 14.
The annual fishing ban, enforced under BFAR Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) No. 167-3 pursuant to Republic Act 8550, as amended by RA 10654, aims to protect marine biodiversity and replenish fish stocks while addressing the economic needs of coastal communities.
BFAR outlined measures to support municipal fisherfolk whose income will be affected by the 90-day closure, including alternative livelihood assistance, aquaculture inputs and compliant fishing gear.
Community-level information and education campaigns will also be conducted in coastal barangays to promote compliance with fishing regulations, particularly the prohibition on fine-mesh nets and other illegal fishing gear.
The provincial government will also coordinate with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to streamline municipal fishing boat registration, safety licensing and vessel classification.
Enforcement efforts will involve coordinated sea patrols and checkpoint operations by the Provincial Bantay Dagat, BFAR monitoring, control and surveillance vessels, the Philippine Coast Guard and local law enforcement agencies.
The closure covers designated waters of the Visayan Sea, affecting coastal communities in Capiz, including Roxas City, Panay, Pilar, Ivisan, Sapian and President Roxas.
Under FAO 167-3, the catching, killing, purchasing, selling, transporting or possessing of sexually mature pelagic fish and their juveniles, fry and larvae is prohibited during the closed season.
Covered species include sardines, locally known as tamban; herrings, or tuloy; and mackerels, including tangigi. Their immature stages are also known by local names such as alupoy, asilinyasi, alinatsaya and amanansia.
Violators face imprisonment ranging from six months and one day to six years, along with applicable fines, forfeiture of catch and fishing equipment, and cancellation of fishing permits or licenses.
Castro pledged the provincial government’s full support for the enforcement of the closure, emphasizing the importance of protecting the Visayan Sea during its spawning period to sustain fish stocks, preserve marine ecosystems and ensure long-term food security.
Also present during the meeting were BFAR Capiz Senior Aquaculturist Lorelyn Ofalla, Fishing Regulations Officer Peter Dan Tumlos, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist Consultant Sylvia dela Cruz, OPA Fisheries Coordinator Joey Dela Cruz and Provincial Bantay Dagat Coordinator Glenn Beup./PN
