The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is urging coastal communities in Ilocos provinces to help conserve galunggong (mackerel scad) by regulating the use of fishing gears allowed by law and observing fish holiday aimed at ensuring stable fish resources.

Through an information caravan called Rolling for Sustainability that was attended by commercial fishing vessel (CFV) operators who are also owners of drive-in nets, as well as municipal fisherfolk involved in catching, trading, and processing of mackerel scad, the participants agreed to implement several strategies and control measures to increase production.

Under the fisheries management plan, a 45-percent catch restriction has been proposed to maintain sustainable fish stocks and prevent overexploitation.

In addition to this, enhanced enforcement was recommended, particularly during the May to July peak fishing season to ensure regulation compliance.

Reginald Laxum Atabay, chief of the Fisheries Resources Management Division of BFAR Region 1, underscored during a media interview on Tuesday the importance of continuous collaboration among all stakeholders to enhance the implementation of the fisheries management plan to be incorporated in local ordinances and other policy regulations to conserve galunggong.

“Our fisheries management plan has already been approved by the FMA (Fisheries Management Area) 6 management board. Hopefully, this will be implemented and incorporated in the local ordinances and through the formulation of Fisheries Administrative Order,” Atabay said.

Galunggong is considered a main source of inexpensive animal protein, making it popular among the ordinary Filipino household. It is also crucial to the marine ecosystem as it serves as food for bigger fishes and mammals such as tuna. (PNA)