Davao Gulf reopens for fishing

MANILA, Philippines — The annual closed fishing season in Davao Gulf has officially ended, allowing local fishermen to resume operations starting Sept. 1 after a three-month pause, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said yesterday.

In a statement, the DA said the seasonal ban aimed to protect small pelagic fish species, including big-eyed scad (matambaka), mackerel (karabalyas) and round scad (galunggong), which are vital to both local diets and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

The seasonal pause, enforced from June 1 to Aug. 31, was implemented under Joint Administrative Order 2 Series of 2014 by the DA in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), a DA-attached agency responsible for fisheries management, said the closure is part of a long-term strategy to ensure the sustainability of Davao Gulf’s fisheries and aquatic resources.

“This is a science-based approach to conservation. But we also recognize the economic impact on our coastal communities, which is why we mobilized a multi-agency support initiative to assist affected fisherfolk,” BFAR Region XI regional director Relly Garcia said.

The seasonal pause allowed fish populations to recover and spawn, helping maintain the ecological balance of the gulf while supporting long-term fishery productivity.

Local fishermen, who rely on daily catches for both income and food security, were temporarily affected, prompting BFAR and partner agencies to provide assistance programs.

Garcia said that the reopening marks the resumption of commercial and subsistence fishing activities, giving fishers the opportunity to rebuild stocks and income.

He encouraged communities to continue following sustainable fishing practices, including observing catch limits and using approved fishing gear, to ensure the health of the gulf’s marine resources.

Monitoring of fish stocks will continue in coordination with local governments to maintain compliance with regulations and maximize the benefits of the seasonal closure.

“The seasonal pause is a necessary step to safeguard our fisheries for future generations,” Garcia said.

“With the support initiatives in place, we hope to balance conservation with the economic needs of our coastal communities,” he added.

Earlier in April, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that municipal fisheries production in the Davao Region fell by 27.3 percent to 31,545.51 metric tons in 2024 from 43,408.33 MT in 2023.

These figures highlight the role of seasonal closures in maintaining the sustainability of small open-water fish species, considering the volume of fish caught in the area.