By Kenneth Marcos 
Before sunrise, small fishing boats once again lined the coast of Northern Palawan, their crews preparing nets after months of waiting. For many families who depend on the sea for daily income and food, the return of fishing signals renewed hope and a chance to recover lost earnings.
On February 1, 2026, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources officially lifted the closed fishing season for roundscad, locally known as galunggong, in the waters of Northern Palawan. The decision allows commercial fishing operations to resume in the conservation area northeast of Palawan after a three-month fishing ban.
The closed season, implemented from November to January, aimed to protect galunggong during its peak spawning period. Galunggong is one of the most affordable and widely consumed fish in the Philippines, often called the “poor man’s fish,” making its sustainability critical to food security and fisher livelihoods.
According to BFAR, the seasonal ban is a science-based measure designed to give fish stocks time to reproduce and grow. During the closure, commercial fishing vessels were prohibited from operating in the designated area, while enforcement teams monitored compliance to prevent illegal fishing activities.
BFAR said initial assessments indicate that the temporary halt helped improve the condition of galunggong stocks in the area. By allowing fish to spawn undisturbed, the agency expects higher catch volumes and better-sized fish in the months ahead, benefiting both fishers and consumers.
Commercial fishers are now allowed to return to their regular operations, provided they follow existing fisheries laws and regulations. These include vessel registration, the use of legal fishing gear, and strict observance of conservation zones. BFAR reminded operators that monitoring will continue even after the reopening to ensure sustainable fishing practices are maintained.
Northern Palawan is a key fishing ground for galunggong, supplying markets not only in Palawan but also in nearby provinces. Any disruption in supply often affects prices in local wet markets, where galunggong remains a staple for low- and middle-income households.
Fisherfolk groups have generally welcomed the lifting of the ban, saying it offers much-needed relief after months without commercial fishing income. However, some also acknowledged the importance of the closure, noting that catches tend to improve when fish populations are given time to recover.
BFAR emphasized that closed fishing seasons are not meant to burden fishers but to secure the long-term future of the industry. Studies by the agency show that areas with seasonal closures often see more stable fish stocks over time, reducing the risk of overfishing and sudden declines in catch.
The agency also called on local government units, fisher associations, and coastal communities to continue supporting conservation efforts. Community reporting of illegal fishing, proper handling of catch, and respect for marine protected areas remain essential to sustaining fisheries resources.
As climate change and rising demand put increasing pressure on the country’s seas, BFAR said measures like closed seasons will remain a key part of fisheries management. The goal, the agency stressed, is to balance livelihood needs with environmental protection.
With the ban now lifted, fishers in Northern Palawan return to the water with renewed optimism. Authorities hope that responsible fishing, combined with science-based policies, will keep galunggong plentiful on Filipino tables for years to come.
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