DENR orders tawilis closed fishing season in Taal Lake

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February 27, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Fishing of tawilis in Taal Lake will be prohibited starting March 1, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has ordered.

The DENR Calabarzon said the closed season would run until April 30 to allow the tawilis, also known as Bombon sardine, to spawn.

“Let them spawn. The world’s only freshwater sardine needs a break. No catching (or) selling of tawilis in Taal Lake. See you in May,” the regional office said.

According to the DENR, people are prohibited from catching, selling or transporting the fish during the two-month period. People caught violating the order will be charged, as provided under the Philippine Fisheries Code and Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act.

Tawilis is a type of sardine only found in the waters of Taal Lake. Its typical full-grown length is 15 centimeters, with a weight of up to 30 grams.

In 2019, tawilis was declared as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.