The government has imposed a three-month fishing ban in the Visayan Sea to combat the severe decline in fish population in this area in the Visayas due to overfishing. Harvesting of varieties of sardine (“tuloy,” “tamban,” “tabagak”), herring (“balantiyong”) and mackerel (“guma-a,” “bulao,” “hasa-hasa”) will not be allowed in the area starting Nov. 15 until Feb. 15, 2024. The conservation effort covers several areas in the Visayas, including the Talisay River in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo; Tomonton Point in E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental; Danao River in Escalante City; Sta. Fe and Madridejos in Cebu; and Gigantes Island in Carles, Iloilo.

Marzan, J. (2023, November 18). 3-month fishing ban in Visayan Sea starts. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A7.