BFAR announces three-month closed season for sardine fishing starting December

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The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has announced the implementation of a three-month closed fishing season of sardines in several areas effective December 1, 2026.

Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) No. 278, Series of 2026 aims to protect and restore the sardine population in Fisheries Management Area 9 (FMA 9) that include the following areas: Macajalar Bay, Gingoog Bay, Iligan Bay, Panguil Bay, Murcialagos Bay, Butuan Bay, Sogod Bay, Cogtong Bay, and Guindulman Bay.

The closed fishing season will be implemented from December 1, 2026 up to March 1, 2027 "unless there is an official change based on scientific study and consultation."

Decline in sardine population

The BFAR, in a statement, said that based on studies by the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute – National Stock Assessment Program (NFRDI-NSAP), the sardine population in FMA 9 has declined due to overfishing. Furthermore, many of the sardines caught have not yet reached the appropriate age for reproduction.

"Through the closed season, sardines are given the chance to reproduce and increase in number once again. In this way, fisherfolk are helped to sustain their livelihoods," the agency said.

BFAR also issued a list of fishing gears that are not allowed to be used for sardine fishing with the FMA 9 during the closed season, these are:

• Bagnets o basnig
• Ring nets
• Drift gillnets
• Encircling gillnets
• Purse seines
• Scoop nets

"Restrictions on the use of municipal and commercial fishing vessels, in accordance with the provisions of FAO No. 278. There are also specified exceptions," said BFAR.

The violators of the administrative order may be subject to fines, confiscation of fish and fishing gear, and other penalties under Republic Act No. 10654 or an Act to prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, amending Republic Act No. 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.

The BFAR also urges all fisherfolk, commercial fishing vessel operators, vessel captains, local government units, and law enforcement agencies to unite and collaborate in complying with the administrative order implementing the closed fishing season.

"Protecting sardines today is an important step to ensure that our oceans have enough fish for sustainable food security for future generations," BFAR also said. — BAP, GMA News