Catching of Philippine’s most expensive fish is prohibited until Nov. 15

Cagayan, Philippines – Ludong, the Philippines’ most expensive fish is currently in its spawning season.

This makes catching, buying, selling, and exporting of said aquatic animal punishable from Oct. 01 to Nov. 15 this year, as per Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources(BFAR) Administrative Circular No. 247.

Ludong, also called the ‘President’s Fish’ is a Freshwater Lobed River Mullet found in the Cagayan River and its tributaries extending through the watersheds of Cagayan Valley and the Santa-Abra River systems of Ilocos Sur and Abra.

A kilo of Ludong ranges from P4,000 to P5,000, making it the most high-priced fish in the country.

BFAR Region 2 stressed that Ludong is endangered or seriously at risk of extinction. To help for its conservation, the agency urged the public to observe the ‘No Fishing Period’ of Ludong and allow the creature to reproduce on its breeding period.

Violations

Catching of Ludong which covered buying, selling, exporting, and possessing will have violators imprisoned for 6 months and 1 day to 6 years or pay a fine of P6,000.

Fishing of a breeding Ludong and sexually mature male Ludong will put individuals behind bars for 6 months and 1 day to 8 years or will make them pay a fine of P80,000.

Further, the export of spawning and sexually mature Ludong will imprison violators for 8 years or fine them an equal to or double the value of Ludong. Their license and permit will likewise be revoked.

“The Ludong is an endangered species of fish native to our waters. Its conservation is crucial not only for maintaining the balance of our aquatic ecosystems but also for safeguarding our cultural and ecological heritage,” BFAR Region 2 stressed.

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