Visayas Sea closed season lifted, BFAR renews call for shared stewardship

Carles, Iloilo- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) formally lifted the 2025 to 2026 Visayan Sea Closed Season in a ceremonial gathering on February 19, 2026 in Carles, Iloilo, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable fisheries management and strong regional cooperation for one of the Philippines’ most critical marine ecosystems.

The activity was organized as a three part event that included the Orientation on licensing and registration of commercial fishing vessels, the Ceremonial lifting of the Visayan Sea closed season at the Carles Gymnasium, and the Send off of responsible Visayan Sea fishers at Bancal Port. It brought together regional directors, provincial leaders, local government units, fisherfolk, enforcement partners, and inter agency stakeholders from the four regions surrounding the Visayan Sea, namely Region 5, Region 6, Region 7, and Negros Island Region.

The annual closed season, implemented from November 15 to February 15, aims to protect sardines, herrings, and mackerels during their spawning season. The temporary halt, supported by the Fisheries Management Area 11 Plan, is designed to allow fish stocks to regenerate, a science-based intervention proven to support long-term productivity and food security.

According to program data, the Visayan Sea remains a powerhouse of marine biodiversity. It is one of the most extensive and productive fishing grounds in the Philippines, contributing 13% of national commercial fisheries output and 11% of municipal fisheries production—figures that underscore its critical role in national food and nutritional security. Across the region, it supports nearly 193,817 registered fisherfolk, whose livelihoods depend heavily on the health of these waters.

In her keynote message, Regional Director Remia A. Aparri of DA-BFAR 6 captured the essence of the Visayan Sea’s significance, describing it through three defining attributes—the Three V’s. “It is vast, it is vital, it is vulnerable”, Aparri emphasized. She underscored that the Visayan Sea extends beyond political jurisdictions, spanning the provinces of Capiz, Cebu, Iloilo, Masbate, and Negros Occidental and connecting 33 coastal cities and municipalities. Because of its scale and shared importance, Aparri noted that its management must likewise be shared, “the Visayan Sea connects us all and because it connects us, its management must also be shared.”

But while it is vast and vital, she cautioned that the Visayan Sea is also vulnerable to overfishing, climate pressures, and unsustainable practices that threaten long-term productivity. Protecting it, she said, is not just a mandate but a responsibility to future generations.

During the closed season, DA-BFAR 6 and its inter-agency enforcement teams conducted 461 joint seaborne patrols, 257 land-based operations, and 74 community dialogues to ensure adherence to the ban. No violations against the closed season were recorded which is an achievement BFAR attributes to strengthened local coordination, fisherfolk cooperation, and expanded public awareness campaigns.

With the reopening, however, BFAR reminded all fishers to strictly follow legal gear regulations, observe the minimum mesh size requirement of 3 cm, and avoid using banned or destructive fishing gear. Violators may face administrative penalties, confiscation of catch, or criminal charges.

The ceremony concluded with a send-off for Responsible Visayan Sea Fishers at Bancal Port, symbolizing both the reopening of fishing activities and the renewed responsibility entrusted to the fishing communities.

“As we open these waters again, let us remember why we protect our seas, not only today, but for generations to come”, Aparri said.###

Story by MCMBuala and Photos by JESEsmao/DA-RAFIS 6