Philippine Fisheries Development Authority – Zamboanga Fish Port Complex (PFDA-ZFPC) attended the commencement of the 12th Open Fishing Season for Sardines following a three-month ban on sardine fishing pursuant to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource (BFAR) Administrative Circular 255, otherwise known as the Establishing of Closed Season for the Conservation of Sardines within Sibuguey Bay, Basilan Strait, and East Sulu Sea, held at the BFAR 9 Conference Hall, Zamboanga City on February 28, 2023.

According to BFAR, commercial fishers and small-scale fisherfolk are now allowed to conduct sardine fishing activities following the three-month marine conservation measures for sardines that started on December 1 of last year.

During the fishing ban period, the use of purse seine, bag net, ring net, and scoop net in catching sardines within the area is strictly prohibited to protect the species during its peak spawning season.

PFDA-ZFPC Port Manager Mr. Ignacio M. Yao and Harbor & Market Operations Division Officer-in-Charge Engr. Orlie R. Villareal joined representatives from the Local Government of Zamboanga City, BFAR Regional Office No. IX, Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Unit 9, and officials of the Philippine Coast Guard and PNP Maritime Group in opening the sardine fishing season.

(Mark Angelo N. Perez – Public Information Division with reports and photos from Mary Felice M. Cirilo – PFDA-ZFPC and BFAR 9 Facebook Page)