Is the closed fishing season policy effective in curbing catch declines?

The closed fishing season policy is annually imposed in Davao Gulf to allow the fish stocks to recover and address the declining fish catch. Whether the closed season is effective in reducing catch and effort however, is still not determined. An assessment on the closed fishing season included survey and focus groups in Governor Generoso, Lupon, Davao City, Sta. Maria, Don Marcelino and Malita, as well as catch assessments using data from Philippine Statistics Office (PhilStat), and GPS tracking of willing small-scale fishers. A survey and an in-depth interview was also conducted to determined impacts on the fisheries market chain. Results of the study show that multiple factors contributed to the successful implementation of the closed fishing season in the Davao Gulf. Catch data analyses show that small scale fish catches have increased (municipal fishers) compared to commercial fish catches. Together the results show that the closed fishing season was effective in curbing catch declines for the fisheries. Thus, continuing the implementation of the closed season will contribute to the sustainability of fish stocks in the Davao Gulf. However, providing support and temporary jobs to displaced commercial fishers are needed.