The government's plan to import 60,000 metric tons (MT) of fish to augment supply during the closed fishing season has met with opposition from the association of small fishermen. The chairman of the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas, Fernando L. Hicap, said in a statement Sunday that the planned imports will deprive fishermen of good prices for their catch during the closed season for major fishing grounds. “We attest that the shortage of fish is artificial. Following the government’s reasoning for importation, why declare a fishing ban that generates alleged shortages in the first place? Moreover, even with closed seasons, we have lots of fish in our seas. Imports are unnecessary,” Mr. Hicap said.

Ochave, R. (2021, August 30). Fishing association opposes plan to import 60,000 MT. BusinessWorld, p. S1/5.