THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has banned the catching of ludong (Cestraeus sp)” during its spawning period to improve its population.
In its Administrative Circular 247, the BFAR said individuals, associations or corporations will be prohibited from catching ludong from October 1 to November 15.
The order covers the entire stretch of Cagayan River, including its tributaries, headwaters and watersheds, Abra River and its tributaries extending to Santa River in Ilocos Sur and the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Ludong is more popularly known as mullet, said fisheries expert Virgilio Marzo, and it goes upstream to spawn before swimming downstream, where the rare fish is caught.
Marzo said the BFAR has not succeeded in breeding ludong in captivity, which explains why its price zooms to about P8,000 per kilo starting in September, the month when the fish usually materializes in the Cagayan River.
By imposing a ban, BFAR Director Asis Perez said the agency reaffirms its commitment to protect and conserve the country’s native fish.
“The public has since known ludong as a delectable fish only the rich could afford because of its stiff market price. What we aim for through the implementation of this closed season is to increase its population and lessen its high price,” Perez added.
During the launching ceremony on October 1, fisherfolk groups, local government units (LGUs) and partner-government agencies in Cagayan expressed their support for the closed season.
Eddiemar Creila, a fisherfolk representative from Lal-lo, Cagayan, said they understand that the BFAR has to implement the closed season in order to conserve the population of the fish species.
He stressed the move will also be beneficial for them in the long run because their catch will also increase.
BFAR Region 2 Director Jovita P. Ayson said the agency will be bringing down alternative livelihood projects to the fisherfolk to mitigate the effects of the closed season.
After the launch, the BFAR and the Philippine Coast Guard deployed eight multimission boats to monitor and patrol the area.
Violators will be penalized with imprisonment of six months to one year and/or fined P6,000 and the forfeiture of catch and fishing gadgets.
If the offense involves catching of spawning ludong during the closed season, a penalty of six months and one day to eight years imprisonment and/or fine of P80,000 shall be imposed.
Exporters of spawning ludong will also be penalized with imprisonment for eight years, confiscation of the catch and a fine equivalent to double the value of the catch.
Marvyn N. Benaning