BFAR stops crackdown vs imported pink salmon, pompano in markets

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) declared a moratorium on the confiscation and ban on the selling of imported salmon and pampano in the markets.

According to a report by Glen Juego on Super Radyo dzBB, the moratorium was due to the questioning of some lawmakers. Authorities were supposed to confiscate imported fish in public markets on Sunday, December 4, 2022.

Meanwhile, BFAR Officer in Charge Demosthenes Escoto said they would review the fisheries and the policies regarding the importation of fish, especially Fisheries Administrative Order No. 159 which authorizes the importation of these products for canning, processing, and trade to institutional buyers.

The moratorium would remain until new regulations are drafted.

Meanwhile, the BFAR said in a statement that without disregarding the policy formulation process as mandated by the Philippine Fisheries Code, it should revisit the regulations and policies governing the importation of fresh/chilled/frozen fish and fishery/aquatic products.

"In the interest of the Filipino consumers and fisheries stakeholders, the Bureau remains committed in carrying out its mandate to ensure food security and food sufficiency, especially that the Christmas season is fast approaching while strengthening the implementation of fishery laws and other necessary regulations," said the BFAR.

Meanwhile, the National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (NFARMC) firmly supports the strong implementation of regulatory policies regarding importation. The Council urges the government through the BFAR to continue its measures curbing illegal acts of unauthorized and undocumented imported frozen fish proliferating the wet markets, which hurt the local fish industry.

"NFARMC believes that the focus should be the [unscrupulous] importers who violate the policies and not the small fish vendors at the wet markets," NFARMC said.

Contrary to some feedback, the Council claimed that the implementation of the order is not discriminatory to anyone, for it protects one of the most vulnerable sectors in the country, such as the marginalized fisherfolk and the whole industry, from competition against imported fish in wet markets.

"The NFARMC extends its support to the DA-BFAR in its initiative to revisit the FAO 195 to make it more responsive to the needs of the time. However, it should undergo a process of consultation with the CouncilCouncil as mandated by RA 8550 as amended by RA 10654," it added. — DVM, GMA Integrated News