The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-Davao Region has officially lifted the annual closed fishing season in Davao Gulf starting September 1. The three-month ban, enforced from June 1 to August 31, was implemented under Joint Administrative Order No. 02 series of 2014 of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). It aims to protect small pelagic fish species, such as, but not limited to, big-eyed scad (matambaka), mackerel (karabalyas), and round scad (galunggong). BFAR-Davao Regional Director Relly B. Garcia said the seasonal closure is part of the Bureau’s long-term strategy to ensure the sustainability of Davao Gulf’s fisheries and aquatic resources.

Bfar-11 lifts Davao Gulf closed fishing season. (2025, September 2). SunStar Davao, p. 3.