Approximately 15,000 artisanal fishers across nine coastal municipalities in Batangas are preparing for a mandatory two-month suspension of fishing activities in Balayan Bay. This annual conservation measure prevents local workers from accessing their primary source of income during a period of high household expenditure associated with the year-end holidays. Consequently, the affected fishing communities are calling for government intervention and livelihood support to mitigate the economic impact of the temporary closure. The ban is a recurring policy intended to manage marine resources, but it places a significant financial burden on small-scale operators who rely on daily catches to sustain their families throughout the festive season.
Source : Philippine Daily Inquirer
Photo : Philippine Daily Inquirer
