BATANGAS CITY- LOCAL fishermen face the unwelcome prospect of taking a long rest and consequently lesser income for their family.
Extremely necessary
This, after authorities decided to extend the so-called fishing ‘closed season’ from the original schedule of November 27 to December 18, 2021 and instead adjusted it from December 1, 2021until March 31, 2022.
Authorities stressed it is extremely necessary to give time for breeding fish to spawn and fingerlings to grow and restock the ocean’s supply.
Bad news
While the closed season carries with it a theme that says “Panandaliang Sakripisyo, Pangmatagalang Benepisyo (Short Sacrifice for Longer Benefits)”, local fisher folk believe that four months is too long and too much to bear for them, who primarily rely on their fish catch to earn and eke out a living.
That was definitely no glad tidings for fishermen who were hoping that they could return to the waters very soon, so that they can earn some money to spend in time for the coming Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Alternative livelihoods
However, other than higher prices of galunggong (round scad), there is nothing much to worry, as the provincial government said that an alternative livelihood is forthcoming and will soon be introduced to them and their families to help them through.
To recall, the provincial government last month said that it has already prepared several alternative sources of livelihood for the affected fishermen which could come in the form of a cash-for-work program and several other means.
Breather
The closed season is being implemented by the province annually since 2014 spearheaded by the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) to give a breather for both the seas and marine life and resources.
From 11 local government units, their number grew to 15 namely: Balayan, Bauan, Calaca, Calatagan, Lemery, Lian, Lobo, Mabini, Nasugbu, San Juan, San Luis, San Pascual, Taal, Tingloy, and Batangas City.
Aside from PGENRO, other participating agencies of the program include Provincial Agriculture’s Office (OPA), Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Provincial Information Office (PIO); Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Also with them are non-government organizations such as Malampaya Foundation, Inc., Conservation International-Philippines and First Gen Corporation, which provide studies and consultation and logistics for the smooth implementation of the program.
Support groups
Enforcement agencies like the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Central, Regional and Provincial Offices, Philippine National Police (PNP)-Batangas Police Provincial Office at City/Municipal Police Stations, PNP Maritime Group, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine Air Force are also involved in the program.
Members of Bantay Dagat also have a key role in the enforcement of the closed season. They will be doing round the clock patrolling, enforcement, and apprehension as necessary against violators of the fishing law.
At the same time, fishermen were also sternly warned against using fine mesh nets in catching fish from January 1, 2022, until March 31, 2022. This is to give ample time for juvenile fish to grow.
The province of Batangas is the first local government unit that imposed the said closed season for fishing in the country although, Mindoro already embarked on baby steps in implementing the same at the Verde Island Passage.
Bigger catch
Truly, the closed season is a noble program because aside from protecting the stock it also allows aquatic species like galunggong and matambaka to lay eggs, multiply, and grow bigger.
It would also translate into bigger catch and consequently more income for fishermen while ensuring a steady supply for their trade.
Strictly prohibited during the closed season are the use of basnig, pukutan or pukot, pangulong or paipot on municipal waters of Batangas in the first two months and the use of fine mesh nets in the next three months.
The said restrictions are not only fully secured by municipal or provincial laws rather, it is also fully enforced under fishing law Republic Act No. 10654.
Mandanas’ call
As such, Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandalas enjoined fisher folk in the province to observe and follow the closed season for their own good.
The enclosed dates of the closed season are based on scientific results and studies before it was implemented way back in 2014.