Philippines Foresees Stable Fish Supply Amid Regulatory Measures
April 6, 2024 - The Department of Agriculture (DA) of the Philippines has announced a positive outlook for the country’s fish supply in the upcoming months. This follows the implementation of critical regulations aimed at curbing overfishing and safeguarding the nation’s fish stocks.
Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa, during a news forum in Quezon City, shared that the projection aligns with the current open fishing season from March to June. “Our projections are favorable because we have timed the release of Memorandum Order No. 14 with the open fishing season to prevent any impact on the local supply,” he stated.
Memorandum Order No. 14 prohibits the catching of certain fish species like Round scad (galunggong), bonito (tulingan), and mackerel (alumahan) to protect against overfishing. However, there is an exemption for mackerel, provided the imports are based on the previous year’s sales figures.
To ensure a flexible supply, especially for cannery purposes or mackerel processing, an additional 10-percent volume has been approved. De Mesa credits the stable fish supply in recent months to effective fish catch management and periods allowed for stock replenishment.
“The sea needs time to rest, which is crucial,” De Mesa explained, praising the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for its role in protecting fish stocks. “A single fish lays millions of eggs, and even if only a small percentage survive, it significantly contributes to the recovery of our fisheries.”
The DA official highlighted the major fish sources in the Philippines, including municipal waters, the Sulu and Celebes Seas, and the Visayan Sea.