Group: Sardine production only good until April 30 due to severe challenges
By Liza Jocson
SARDINES processed in a factory. (Photo via Liza Jocson)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Sardine production here may only be sustained for the next 15 days or until the end of this month, an official of an industrial group said.
Edgar Lim, vice president of the Industrial Group of Zamboanga, confirmed an earlier statement that the fishing sector in this city is facing severe challenges from higher fuel costs due to Middle East tensions.
“As it stands, production may only last up to April 30,” said Lim in a radio interview here.
He added that the situation was made more complicated by the three-month closed fishing season from November 2025 to February 2026. The yearly conservation measure led to minimal stocks which fishing companies sought to replenish after February.
Since the last week of February, fishing companies struggled to maintain their usual production due to a rise in fuel prices which prevented fishing boats from venturing out into rich fishing grounds usually found in deep waters.
Government agencies, such as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), are closely monitoring the situation.