BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Cagayan Valley has tapped the support of fisherfolk here as the season for catching “Ludong” or President’s Fish has closed.
Bureau Administrative Circular No. 247 bans the catching of Ludong from Oct. 1 to Nov. 15 of each year.
At least 40 fisherfolk here were recently trained and oriented on fishery law enforcement policies and protocols, scientific fish examination, and the salient provisions of Republic Act 10654, the law against illegal fishing.
They were further deputized as “Bantay Laot” members who will help BFAR in carrying out their responsibilities under BAC 247.
Also known as the lobed river mullet, Ludong is preferred by the rich because of its unique taste and distinctive aroma. The fish fetches as much as P5,000 a kilo on the market, and was made famous by former President Ferdinand Marcos as one of his favorite viands.
Lawyer Arsenio Banares, Fisheries Management, Regulatory and Enforcement Division Chief, said the Bantay Laot members are tasked to disseminate information on BAC 247, report violations, and to assist fishery law enforcers of BFAR in riverine patrols during the effectivity of the circular.
He said the designation of fisherfolk, majority of whom are indigenous peoples, as Bantay Laot members is part of the nationwide program bearing the same name, which seeks to deter illegal fishing activities and protect threatened marine and aquatic species in municipal waters.
Bantay Laot members will receive remuneration of P3,000 per month for the duration of the closed season for Ludong, Banares added.
Dr. Milagros Morales, BFAR regional director, said the bureau will undertake information campaigns, pro-active patrols, surveillance, and market-denial operations in line with the implementation of BAC 247, which will cover the entire Cagayan River system, including its tributaries and headwaters.
“We urge our fisherfolk and buyers or consumers alike, to abide with the law. In such a way, we can give time to our most precious fishery resource to regenerate and increase its population, not only for the present but for the years to come,” she said.
BAC 247 prohibits any person, association or corporation to catch or cause to be caught, using any type of gear or fishing method, purchase, sell or expose for sale, transport, export or have in possession Ludong, its by-products or derivatives during the closed season.
The regulation further penalizes violators of imprisonment of six months to one year and/or fine of P6,000 and forfeiture of catch and fishing gadgets. However, a stiffer penalty of six months and one day to eight years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of P80,000 shall be imposed if the offense involves catching of spawning Ludong during the closed season.
Export of spawning Ludong also carries a penalty of eight years’ imprisonment, confiscation of the same and fine equivalent to double the value of the same.