LAOAG CITY, Sept 28 (PNA) — The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte has reminded fishers to observe fish holiday for goby fry on October 6-8, or on the 9th to 11th day to allow their growth and let them multiply.
Arthur Valente, Fishery Regulatory Officer of the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), said Monday the strict implementation of the goby fry provincial ordinance since 2007 has resulted to an increase in volume of production by twice or even triple compared in previous years when catching of goby fry is not regulated in Ilocos Norte’s municipal waters.
Goby or gobids from gobiidae family, locally known as “ipon” in this northern Philippines is a high value fish that thrives both in tropical and sub-tropical waters.
After the September 27 full moon this year, it is expected that goby season will start on the second of October to February next year.
To ensure abundant supply of one of Ilocos favorite delicacies, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP or provincial board) enacted an ordinance in 2005 urging fisher folk to refrain from catching young goby of a certain period of time during its expected peak season to ensure sustainable supply in the market.(PNA)