By ILOILO – Fisherfolks resumed their operations after the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources lifted the closed season or fish ban in the Visayan Sea last February 16.
It can be noted that the fish ban in the Visayan Sea is being implemented yearly and lasts for three months, which starts on the 15th of November until February 15 of the following year. During the said season, fisherfolks are not allowed to catch sardines, herrings, and mackerels in the waters of the Visayan Sea for the conservation of said species.
However, according to Melbert Balbon, the spokesperson of PAMALAKAYA-Panay, the fish ban has long been a problem for small-scale fisherfolks as their primary source of income is affected for three months. Balbon added that the fish ban has caused prolonged hunger for the poor fisherfolks and the government has not even provided alternative livelihood or source of income to those affected.
According to PAMALAKAYA-Panay, the fish ban should not be implemented. However, the group added, that if it will continue, it has to be implemented in a designated protected area and that there should still be a designated area where fisherfolks can still freely operate.
Fisherfolks call for a P15,000 subsidy or alternative livelihood for those affected by the fish ban. Moreover, PAMALAKAYA-Panay calls for genuine fisheries policy reform./PT
