Commercial fishing in Palawan resumes as closed season lifted
THE THREE-month closed fishing season in northeastern Palawan has been lifted starting Feb. 1, paving the way for the resumption of commercial activities in one of the country’s main fishing grounds.
The annual November-January closed season — aligned with the peak spawning season for round scad or locally known as galunggong — is intended to protect and replenish aquatic resources for sustainability.
The closed season prohibits the use of purse seine, ring net and bag net in catching galunggong within the conservation area, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
On Jan. 18, the Department of Agriculture said it authorized imports of 60,000 metric tons (MT) of frozen small pelagic fish in the first quarter to augment supply in areas hit by Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai).
The fisheries sector sustained typhoon losses amounting to P3.97 billion or 29.81% of the total.
A report from BFAR showed that for the first three quarters of 2021, the fisheries industry produced 3.12 million MT of fish, which was 1.94% lower than 2020’s production of 3.18 million MT.
Closed fishing seasons are also implemented in other parts of the country, including the Visayan Sea, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Davao Gulf. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson
