DENR imposes 2-month ‘tawilis’ fishing ban in Taal Lake
LUCENA CITY—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has announced the start of the two-month closed season for “tawilis” (Sardinella tawilis) fishing in Taal Lake, Batangas, running from March 1 to April 30.
In an advisory posted on Thursday, DENR Calabarzon reminded the public that catching, selling, trading, transporting or engaging in any transaction involving tawilis during this period is strictly prohibited. Violators will face penalties under existing environmental laws.
“Let them spawn. The world’s only freshwater sardine needs a break,” the agency said.
The ban coincides with the fish’s peak spawning period. Endemic to Taal Lake, a female tawilis can produce up to 18,000 eggs per season, though the species typically grows only about 12.7 centimeters (five inches) in length.
Endangered
Tawilis was classified as endangered in 2018 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, prompting the annual closed season to help protect and sustain its population.
Illegal fishing practices—including trawling, dredging and the use of fine-mesh nets—pose serious threats. Trawling disturbs the lake bed and damages spawning grounds, while dredging destabilizes banks and disrupts aquatic ecosystems.
Environmental pollution also endangers tawilis. Fish cages and excessive commercial feeds contribute to water contamination as uneaten feeds and waste decompose in the lake.
High demand for tawilis has fueled overfishing, particularly as the species is commercially processed for local and export markets. Despite conservation concerns, tawilis remains a household staple in communities surrounding Taal Lake.
It is widely served crispy and deep-fried in eateries across Batangas and Tagaytay and is also sold online as bottled sardines for domestic and international buyers.
