DAVAO CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 11 (BFAR) sent off Thursday six patrol boats to watch over the Davao Gulf while it implemented a closed season for fishing policy.
For its second year of implementation, the Davao Gulf will be closed.
June to August for fishing operations that use ringnet and “bagnet” fishing gears regardless of tonnage.
Davao Gulf has a total area of 3,087 kilometers, from Talagotong Point in Don Marcelino town, Davao Occidental to Cape San Agustin, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental.
In a Philippine Information Agency dispatch, Fatma Idris, BFAR regional director, said the patrol vessels will intensify monitoring of individuals or group of fisherfolks violating the order, particularly in hotspot areas like Governor Generoso, Lupon and San Isidro in Davao Oriental, Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur, Sta. Maria in Davao Occidental and Samal Island in Davao del Norte.
The three highest officers of the boat who will be caught violating the orders shall be punished by imprisonment of six months and one day and/or will be fined with P6,000, forfeiture of catch and cancellation of fishing permit or license.
Idris emphasized that the closed season is implemented to provide time for pelagic fishes to produce eggs and grow until the fish reaches to its exact length called length at first maturity.
She also said there is no complaint yet from the fisherfolks that reached her office.
Idris said that if there would be request for adjustment of the duration, her office would be willing to sponsor a consultation or meeting with the fisherfolks. (Diana C. Tomale/davaotoday.com)
