The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) on Thursday stated 55% or 13,856.64 of the 25,056.27 metric tons (MT) of galunggong imported since November 2022 has already arrived days earlier than the lifting of the three-month closed fishing season in Palawan.
In a press release, the DA-BFAR stated the importation of frozen spherical scad, bigeye scad, mackerel, bonito, and moonfish for moist markets is in line with the certificates of necessity to import signed by the DA on November 10, 2022 and is efficient till January 31, 2023.
BFAR allowed the importation to enhance the galunggong provide amid anticipated restricted availability as a result of annual implementation of the closed fishing season within the Northeast of Palawan.
Despite the on-going implementation of the closed season, the worth of galunggong stays steady with the native fish valued at P280 per kilo whereas imported ones vary from P220 per kilo to P240 per kilo, the company stated.
The galunggong closed fishing season within the Northeast of Palawan began in 2015 by advantage of joint DA and Department of Interior and Local Government Administrative (DILG) Order 1 to present the species time to breed and develop throughout its spawning season and to make sure enough provide within the nation.
It was carried out from November 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023.
Since 2015, the periodic closure of economic fishing actions in Palawan has constantly yielded important optimistic outcomes within the manufacturing of galunggong, in accordance with the DA-BFAR.
In 2021, the National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) recorded an annual catch of 1,146 MT utilizing ring, purse seine, and bagnet–an nearly triple enhance from the 453.89 MT annual catch logged in 2015, the company stated.
“Throughout the closed fishing season, DA-BFAR’s regional office in Palawan conducted continuous patrol operations in the conservation area,” it stated.
