The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Mimaropa is inviting local vessels and large commercial fleets to catch fish in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to help meet the country's fish consumption targets. Robert Abrera, BFAR assistant regional director, said Wednesday the move is to give respite to over-exploited fishing areas and allow certain species of fish to mature and repopulate. “Ini-encourage natin kasi ang ating mga mangingisda kasi ‘yang WPS ang less exploited area, para makapahinga din ang ibang fishing grounds at makaparami ang ilang fish species (We are encouraging our fishermen to catch fish in the WPS because it is a less-exploited area so that other fishing grounds can also rest and some fish species can increase in population),” he said.

BFAR invites local fishermen to catch fish in the West PH Sea. (2018, November 2). The Manila Bulletin, p. 6.