The Department of Agriculture (DA) has delayed the approved importation of 250,000 metric tons (MT) of various fish and aquatic products to the fourth quarter from August to cushion the potential impact of El Niño.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel told reporters on Wednesday, July 22, that the DA is considering rolling out this year’s import volume of 250,000 MT either in October or November.

He said the import volume, which is the maximum allowable amount, will remain unchanged as the government works to secure sufficient supply during the closed fishing season.

“Right now, the fishing season has been extended due to El Niño. We also have a lot of Bangus (milkfish) and other fishes. So, it will likely be triggered in the closed season,” Tiu Laurel said.

The closed fishing season, which is implemented by area, prohibits the catching of certain fish and aquatic resources to support conservation efforts and allow fish populations to replenish.

This year, the temporary ban coincides with the projected peak of the El Niño phenomenon, which reduces fish catch due to elevated water temperatures.

Despite the country’s rich marine resources, the government usually relies on imported fish products to ensure stable supply and prevent potential price surges.

Tiu Laurel earlier issued Department Circular (DC) No. 12 in March, allowing the importation of 250,000 MT of fish and aquatic resources this year, with imports initially scheduled to begin on Aug. 1.

This followed the recommendation of the National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (NFARMC), which was based on the country’s supply and demand outlook for fish and aquatic products this year.

Under the circular, 10,000 MT of the allocated volume will be reserved for government importation, particularly through the Kadiwa program.

The remaining allocation will be distributed at a ratio of 80 percent for importers belonging to the commercial sector and 20 percent for associations and cooperatives.

The fish products approved for importation under DC 12 include non-finfish resources such as crab, lobster, prawn, shrimp, clam, mussel, octopus, oyster, scallop, sea urchin, and squid.

Also included are finfish species such as anchovies, amberjack, barramundi, cod, dolphinfish, eel, haddock, mackerel, marlin, salmon, sardines, sea bass, and tuna, among others.