The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Saturday, Dec. 14, defended the annual closed-fishing season, saying the science-based measure is essential for protecting marine resources and ensuring food security.
In a statement, the DA said that the ban, implemented from November to March in key fishing areas, ensures the sustainability of fish production by protecting spawning grounds of vital species like sardines, mackerel, and round scad.
“Importation addresses temporary supply gaps caused by the closed-fishing season or events like typhoons. It complements, not replaces, local fish production to keep prices stable,” said DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
The government’s defense comes after Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) criticized the policy, calling it a “scourge” to fisherfolk.
The progressive fishers’ group argued that the ban creates an “artificial shortage” of fish, which justifies importation and drives down the value of local catches.
“Lumilikha ng artipisyal na shortage ang closed fishing season na nagbibigay katwiran para mag-angkat ng tone-toneladang isda. Sa huli, ang mga mangingisda ang talo (The closed fishing season creates an artificial shortage that justifies the importation of tons of fish. In the end, it is the fishermen who lose out),” Ronnel Arambulo, the vice chairperson of Pamalakaya, said in a statement.
Pamalakaya called for an end to the policy, claiming it prioritizes importation over strengthening local fish production.
“Dapat bigyang prayoridad ang pagpapalakas ng lokal na produksyon (Priority should be given to strengthening local production),” Arambulo added.
BFAR Executive Director Isidro Velayo Jr., however, stressed that the closed-fishing season is rooted in science and stakeholder consultations.
He explained that fish species like sardines in the Zamboanga Peninsula spawn heavily from November to February, and the ban allows their stocks to recover.
“Protecting spawning areas during this period ensures sustainable fish stocks for the long term,” Velayo said.
To mitigate the impact on affected fisherfolk, the DA said the government provides fuel subsidies, livelihood assistance, and aquaculture programs.
Meanwhile, the DA recently approved the importation of an additional 8,000 metric tons of frozen fish, on top of the earlier allocation of 30,000 metric tons, to address supply disruptions caused by typhoons.
The closed-fishing season covers major fishing grounds, including the Visayan Sea, Palawan, and Zamboanga Peninsula. In the Visayan Sea, the ban affects 33 coastal towns across Regions V, VI, and VII, including nine towns in Iloilo and four in Capiz.