BFAR accepting applications for fishing vessel, gear license

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The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said it will accept applications for new Commercial Fishing Vessel/Gear License (CFVGL), following the expiration of the moratorium on its issuance recently.

Applicants may file their application, together with the complete requirements, to the BFAR regional office that has jurisdiction over the homeport of the vessel, it said in an advisory.

The filing of the new CFVGL is covered by Fisheries Administrative Order No. 198-1, series of 2018, or the “Rules and regulations governing the registration and licensing of commercial fishing vessels, fishing gears and fish workers”.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will start accepting applications for new Commercial Fishing Vessel/Gear License. | BFAR photo

Only applications with complete requirements, in accordance with FAO 198-1, shall be accepted by the BFAR regional offices, it added.

The moratorium on the issuance of new CFVGL, which lasted three years, took effect Jan. 24, 2019, by virtue of BFAR Administrative Circular No. 253-1, series of 2018.

Meanwhile, the BFAR 6 organized a virtual program on the theme “Visayan Sea Aton Ginbantayan, Epekto sang Pagpahuway aton Matilawan”, to thank fisherfolk organizations, enforcement partners, and local government units that took the lead in the implementation of FAO 167, to mark the lifting of the Visayan Sea closed season Feb. 15.

FAO 167, series of 1989, as amended by FAO 167-3 series of 2013, re-established the closed season for the conservation of sardines, herring, and mackerel in the portion of Visayan Sea, from Nov. 15 to Feb. 15 every year. It covers a vast area of roughly 5,800 square kilometers covering the municipal and national waters of Negros Occidental, Masbate, Capiz, Iloilo, and Cebu.

The policy aims to conserve those species during the spawning and juvenile growth development season to increase productivity, being the major fish species in the Visayan Sea.

BFAR 6 commended partner LGUs, Bantay Dagat teams, and national government law enforcement agencies for their support, assistance, and contributions during the implementation of FAO 167-3, adding that the individual and group efforts have contributed to the sustainable management of fisheries resources in the Visayan Sea. — NND