Concepcion Weighs Ban on Destructive “Sinsoro” Fishing Method

Concepcion, Iloilo — The local government is preparing to ban the controversial Sinsoro fishing method, once known as a traditional beach-seine technique, due to widespread environmental damage and violations of fisheries laws.

According to Municipal Administrator Jimmy G. Celestial, Sinsoro — historically a manual method using small nets and bancas to catch anchovy (balingon) — has evolved into a more industrial operation. Modern Sinsoro boats now use winches, sonar fish finders, and fine-meshed “mosquetero” nets that are reportedly damaging marine ecosystems and depleting juvenile fish stocks.

Environmental Decline and Community Impact

The municipality has observed a sharp decline in anchovy landings at the local fish port. “We can hardly see anchovy or balingon anymore,” Celestial said, pointing to the overexploitation caused by the use of ultra-fine nets and targeting of juvenile Lobo-lobo.

Local marine protected areas (MPAs) have also been negatively affected. These fishing activities have entered no-take zones, damaging coral reefs and disrupting fish breeding cycles — a major blow to the sustainability of coastal livelihoods.

Legal Concerns and Government Action

Sinsoro operators, who failed to register with the local government and national agencies such as the BFAR and MARINA, were flagged for operating without permits. Authorities stated that these boats now qualify as commercial vessels, which are not permitted under Concepcion’s municipal fishery regulations.

Despite a signed agreement in July 2023 for an 18-month moratorium on Lobo-lobo fishing, authorities reported that many operators continued their activities in defiance of the deal. This prompted further investigation and enforcement planning.

July 2025 Crackdown and BFAR Meeting

On July 15, 2025, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), together with the Regional Interagency Task Force (RIAFT), convened a final dialogue with Sinsoro operators at the Concepcion Municipal Auditorium. Officials warned of impending enforcement under national laws — Republic Acts 8550 and 10654 — if destructive fishing continues.

Operators were reminded that ample time and assistance had been provided, including 40 fiberglass boats and drying equipment through the SAAD program. Training and seminars were also conducted to promote proper gear management and sustainable fishing.

Conditions for Compliance

To avoid a total ban, Sinsoro operators must comply with one or more of the following:

• Use gear strictly designed to catch anchovy and not Lobo-lobo.
• Reduce their boat size to 3 gross tons or less to qualify as municipal fisheries.
• Seek BFAR certification that their fishing method is passive and not harmful.

“Only when such conditions are met can Sinsoro fishing continue to exist,” Celestial emphasized. The municipality urges all stakeholders to act rationally and humanely in protecting marine resources for future generations.