The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Office 6 has officially implemented a three-month fishing ban in the Visayan Sea to allow marine resources to regenerate and spawn.
In an announcement translated from Hiligaynon, BFAR referred to the seasonal closure as “pahuway,” meaning rest. The conservation period runs from November 15, 2026, to February 15, 2027.
According to the regional office, the closure coincides with the peak spawning season for several commercially important fish species, including tuloy, tamban, tabagak, balantiyong, guma-a, bulao, and hasa-hasa.
Covered Areas
The fishing restriction applies to coastal and municipal waters across four provinces:
- Iloilo: Barotac Nuevo, Anilao, Banate, Barotac Viejo, Ajuy, Concepcion, San Dionisio, Batad, Estancia, Balasan, and Carles
- Capiz: Roxas City, Pilar, Pontevedra, President Roxas, and Panay
- Negros Occidental: E.B. Magalona, Victorias City, Manapla, Sagay City, Cadiz City, and Escalante City
- Cebu: Bantayan Island
The annual closed season is part of ongoing regional efforts to protect fish stocks, ensure the long-term sustainability of local fisheries, and support the livelihood of fisherfolk in the Visayas region.