The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said the recent spoilage of tamban (sardines) in Bulan, Sorsogon has been resolved after fish processing plants resumed operations.
BFAR said the problem started during Holy Week when six processing plants temporarily closed, limiting bulk purchases of fish. Although plant operators warned fisherfolk about reduced buying, fishing continued, leading to a large oversupply.
Data showed that about 200 to 300 boats arrived daily at the fish port last week, each carrying around 60 tubs of tamban. The volume exceeded what local markets could handle, causing some of the catch to spoil.
BFAR said canneries have now reopened and are accepting deliveries, preventing further buildup of fish stocks.
To manage the surplus, the agency coordinated with traders and local groups to distribute the fish and provided training on preservation methods like smoking (tinapa) and fermentation (bagoong).
BFAR also reminded fisherfolk to follow plant advisories and consider market demand, especially during periods when buying capacity is low.
