BFAR lifts ban on ludong fishing

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – The ban on the catching of ludong, the country’s most expensive fish, has been lifted.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said the 45-day ban on ludong fishing was lifted last Nov. 15. The ban was imposed starting Oct. 1 to allow the fish to spawn.

Ludong can be found only in the ri-vers of Cagayan Valley, the Cordilleras and Abra.

The BFAR has banned the catching, purchasing, sale, transport, export and possession of ludong from Oct. 1 to Nov. 15 of each year.

This is when female ludong migrate from the waters of Isabela, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya provinces to the ocean to lay eggs.

Fishermen take advantage of this period to catch ludong, prompting the government to order the ban. Catching ludong before the fish can reach the saltwater prevents reproduction, the BFAR said.

Max Prudencio Jr. of the BFAR regional office said no one was caught violating the ban this year.

Penalties for violating the ban range from six months to eight years impri-sonment or a fine of P6,000 to P80,000.

Known as the President’s Fish or Pacific Salmon, ludong is sold for at least P5,000 a kilo.