The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Regional Office No. IX lifted the ban on sardine fishing in the conservation waters of East Sulu Sea, Basilan Strait, and Sibuguey Bay.

The historic occasion marked the 12th year of the Open Fishing Season for sardines that took place at the BFAR 9 Conference Hall, Zamboanga City on Tuesday, February 28, 2023.

Commercial fishers and small-scale fisherfolk are now allowed to conduct sardine fishing activities following the three-month ban on sardine fishing that started December 1 of last year.

Regional Executive Director Dennis R. Arpia of the Department of Agriculture RFU-9, officials of the Philippine Coast Guard and PNP Maritime Group, and local chief executives of major sardine-producer cities and municipalities graced the event.

BFAR 9 Regional Director Al-Zath K. Kunting, RFP expressed his gratitude to the participants from different fisheries sectors, local and provincial government units, academe, commercial fishing groups, media outlets, and the noblemen in uniform.

BAC 255 has been a huge success for over a decade and those who were instrumental to this success shared a few words of salutation and commitment to further fortify and strengthen their efforts in ushering in a new era in sardine fishing that is sustainable and equitably shared. The program culminated with a ceremonial banging of the gong that signaled the send-off of fishing fleets.

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