Oceana is calling the implementation of the sardines management plan as a complementary measure to support the closed fishing season in the Visayan Sea in the Zamboanga Peninsula to ensure food and livelihood security for municipal fisherfolk and commercial fish workers during the period.

“The declaration of closed fishing season by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) this year takes a more significant turn because the National Sardines Management Plan was signed and up for implementation. Secondly, we have the rules on vessel monitoring measures also ready for implementation that will help in effectively enforcing the closed season,” Gloria Estenzo Ramos, Oceana vice president, said in a statement on Sunday.