by Jocelyn P. Alvarez
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Nov. 16 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is set to strictly implement the closed fishing season on sardines starting December 1 this year until March 1, 2012.
During the three-month closed fishing season, there will be no catching of sardines on the specified months.
Any person, association or corporation caught catching sardines in the conservation area will be subject to fines and penalty.
Conservation areas include East Sulu, Basilan Straight and Sibugury Bay
The imposition of a closed fishing season is to allow the fish species to spawn.
BFAR said December to March are the months when mature sardines reproduce.
To ensure compliance of the regulation, BFAR has dispatched three vessels to guard the concerned conservation areas.
Atty. Asis Perez of BFAR said penalty for violators include imprisonment of 6 months and one day to 6 years or fine of P6,000 and confiscation of the catch and cancellation of fishing boat and gear license. (JPA/PIA-ZBST)
