The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Davao (BFAR-11) has warned that violators of the three-month closed fishing season in the Davao Gulf will face strict penalties and possible criminal charges.

Since 2014, at least 13 cases have been filed against fishermen who defied the annual ban, which prohibits fishing in the Davao Gulf for three months.

BFAR-11 said penalties vary depending on the boat. Offenders may be fined from P20,000 to P500,000, and in cases where criminal cases are filed, violators could face imprisonment of six months to six years, along with revocation of their fishing licenses.

“Naa tay duha ka particular nga pangisdaan nga gina-prohibit during closed season, mao ning ginatawag nato nga ring net ang uban sa ilaha, tawag nila ani likong and then naa pud tay ginatawag nga bagnet o basnigan o tapay-tapay,” BFAR-11 Fisheries Management, Regulatory and Enforcement Division Chief, Elaine Vera Belvis, said.

The closed fishing season in in effect until August 31, 2025, covering the area from Cape of San Agustin in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, to the Talagotong Point in Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental.

According to data from the National Stock Assessment Program, the implementation of the closed fishing season yielded positive results after the trend in fish catch reportedly went up.

“So naa tay increasing catch particularly sa ginatawag natong small pelagic, katong mga lutang nga isda sama matambaka, karabalyas, mga galong gong, mao ni sila atong ginaprotektahan,” Belvis said.

The government is also offering livelihood interventions to support affected fisherfolk during the closed season.