GOVERNMENT URGES FISHERFOLK TO CATCH MORE SARDINES

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has encouraged fishermen to take advantage of the fine weather and the lifting of the fishing ban in Zamboanga Peninsula to catch as much sardines, herring and mackerel as they can.

BFAR said fishermen should take out to sea more often as the fishing ban was lifted in March 2020, only to be affected by the lockdown imposed in Luzon, where more than 50 million Filipinos live.

“Fishing activities may continue despite the community quarantine enforced in different areas in the Philippines. We are currently in the peak fishing season where the weather is conducive for fishing and the seas are generally calm. Because of this, we encourage our fisherfolk to take advantage of the present weather and sea conditions and continue with their fishing activities, taking into consideration existing laws and regulations against illegal and unsustainable fishing. We also enjoin them to observe sea safety, health and quarantine protocols set by the authorities whenever they are engaged in fishing activities,” BFAR stressed.

Based on Memorandum Circular No. 9, series of 2020 issued by the Department of Agriculture (DA), fishing must be intensified to ensure sufficient food supply throughout the Philippines. #coronavirusimpact #COVID19PH