On February 22, 2023, at 5:30 AM, the residents of Sitio Looban in Brgy. Poblacion Mandaon, Masbate were stunned by the abundance of fish discovered on the shoreline. The fish were identified as juvenile herrings, locally known as “Lupoy” in the Masbate province.
The estimated volume of the fish species is around 3 tons. The BFAR 5- Provincial Fisheries Office of Masbate along with the Local Government Unit of Mandaon through its Municipal Agriculture Office conducted a survey through testimonies from the locals.
In order to understand the elements that cause beaching, we also have to learn to appreciate that fisheries management such as implementation of fishing closure in some parts of the country help recover sardine population. That regulation has been pivotal in recovering fish stocks in the Visayan Sea. There is high occurrence of sardine beaching in areas where regulations have been implemented and it is also important to note that it is still peak season for sardines currently.
BFAR Bikol’s Regional Director, Ariel U. Pioquinto in a statement said that “The beaching of juvenile fishes along the coastal barangay of Mandaon, Masbate is an indicator of something that we need to understand particularly on the science-based explanation of what really happened. There are a lot of possible triggers why sardine beaching occurs, it can be a sudden change in sea surface temperature and dissolved oxygen or it can be that their food source is near the shore, among others. BFAR Bikol will continue to monitor and explore all means to provide appropriate information to the public. We also appreciate the support of all stakeholders particularly LGUs for their support to BFAR in the implementation of various programs pertaining to conservation, protection and proper management of our marine resources.” (Jv Navarro Verdeflor Jr. via BFAR Bicol, photo credits to the owner)