The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) announced on Tuesday that the three-month closed fishing season in the Davao Gulf officially ended on September 1, with assistance provided to affected fisherfolk during the ban.
The annual fishing halt, which covered the catch of small pelagic fish, was implemented from June 1 to August 31 to allow fish species to repopulate.
BFAR-11 Director Relly Garcia said the agency worked closely with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to support displaced fishers.
Among the interventions were the distribution of 3,271 food packs across the region, and the provision of 398 chickens and 12 goats through livestock dispersal programs in Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, and Davao City.
The DOLE also allocated 200 slots for short-term employment under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.
“We also recognize the economic impact on our coastal communities, which is why we mobilized a multi-agency support initiative to assist affected fisherfolk,” Garcia said.
He explained that the ban was “a science-based approach to conservation,” emphasizing the need for a long-term strategy to protect and repopulate species such as big-eyed scad (matambaka), mackerel (karabalyas), and round scad (galunggong).
Garcia added that the initiative is part of BFAR’s commitment to ensuring the sustainability of marine resources in the Davao Gulf.