Manila, Philippines – July 17, 2026 – The Philippine fishing industry is seeing a significant rebound in round scad (galunggong) production as the 2026 closed season continues to yield positive ecological and economic results, with implications for both domestic supply and the broader seafood export market.
The closed fishing season for round scad in Northern Palawan, which ran from November 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026, was lifted on February 1, 2026 . This annual ban, enforced through Department of Agriculture and DILG Joint Administrative Order No. 1, series of 2015, is a science-based conservation measure designed to protect the species during its peak spawning period, ensuring long-term stock sustainability . The policy has been in effect since 2015, allowing the round scad population to recover and multiply .
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reveals the policy's tangible impact: the seasonally adjusted volume of round scad production for the first quarter of 2026 surged by 61.7%, reaching 57.46 thousand metric tons compared to the previous quarter .
This increase in supply is clearly reflected in landing volumes at major fishing ports. The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) reported that round scad catch at the Navotas Fish Port Complex nearly doubled in March 2026, reaching over 16,000 metric tons, up from just over 8,000 MT in March 2025. The peak season is expected to continue through July . Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. attributed this success to the decade-long enforcement of the closed season policy, stating, "A decade of implementing the closed fishing season policy has contributed to the recovery of fish stocks, and we are now seeing the results in higher and more stable landings" .
The surge in supply is also beginning to stabilize market prices. Following the seasonal price spike that saw galunggong retail prices exceed P400 per kilo in some markets, the reopening of the season is expected to bring prices down. The Association of Fresh Fish Traders of the Philippines Inc. projected that wholesale prices could range from P60 to P80 per kilo, leading to retail prices of approximately P150 to P200 per kilo in wet markets . By March 2026, vendors in Palawan were already anticipating a drop in prices as the supply normalized .
Implications for International Trade
For international buyers, this supply dynamics update is noteworthy. The Philippines is a key source of round scad, a species that is traded globally in frozen, whole-round form. U.S. FDA standards list "Round Scad" (Decapterus punctatus) as an acceptable market name for this product . This species is a common item in the frozen seafood trade, with established supply chains connecting Asian exporters to markets like the United States .
Recent trade data corroborates the active movement of round scad in the international market. For instance, shipments of frozen round scad from Chinese suppliers to Philippine buyers were recorded in early 2026, indicating sustained regional trade flows . The Philippines' commitment to science-based fisheries management, as highlighted by its participation in the ASEAN Regional Technical Consultation on Pelagic Fisheries, further reinforces the credibility and sustainability of its seafood exports .
Outlook
With the closed season for round scad set to be re-implemented from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027, the current period presents an optimal window for sourcing and trade . The positive outcomes of the fishing ban, validated by the National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) and the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), suggest a stable and well-managed supply chain for this key commodity .
For foreign trade buyers, this translates to a reliable supply of round scad from the Philippines during the open season, backed by a regulatory framework that ensures the long-term viability of the fishery.
