BFAR kicks off 15th fishing season for sardines in Zamboanga Peninsula
Published Feb 15, 2026 09:48 pm
BFAR kicks off the 15th fishing season for sardines in Zamboanga City on Saturday. (Photo via Liza Jocson)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Bureau of Aquatic Resources-9 opened the 15th fishing season for sardines in Zamboanga Peninsula on Saturday.
BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig emphasized the importance of implementing the law for the conservation of fishery resources in East Sulu Sea, Basilan Strait, and Sibuguey Bay.
The banging of the gong signaled the send-off of fishing fleets to start the fishing season.
The open fishing season was preceded by a three-month ban on sardine fishing pursuant to BFAR Administrative Circular No. 255 which establishes a closed fishing season for the conservation of sardines in affected areas.
The order includes a ban on fishing Bali and Gold stripe varieties of sardines to enable these species to propagate. These two varieties are used for canned sardine products in Zamboanga City.
The administrative order was first implemented in Zamboanga Peninsula region, an area where most canning factories are located.
Zamboanga City is known as the Sardine Capital of the Philippines.
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