BFAR Mimaropa Warns Fishermen of Chinese Rocket Debris Drop Zones

The regional office of fisheries has issued a temporary fishing ban in several areas of the South China Sea from July 15-17, 2025 warning that debris from a Chinese rocket launch could fall in designated drop zones near Philippine waters.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Mimaropa region announced the prohibition on fishing and navigation between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. during the three-day period, citing potential hazards from China’s Long March 7 rocket launch.

The advisory, signed by BFAR Mimaropa Regional Director Roberto R. Abrera, identifies three drop zones where rocket debris is expected to fall, including areas near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), Cabra Island in Occidental Mindoro, Recto Bank, and Busuanga in Palawan.

The drop zones are located approximately 33 nautical miles from Bajo de Masinloc, 88 nautical miles from Cabra Island, 51 nautical miles from Recto Bank, and 118 nautical miles from Busuanga, Palawan, according to the advisory.

The Chinese rocket will be launched from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan, China, with debris expected to fall in the designated maritime areas that could pose risks to fishing vessels and other watercraft.

The advisory said that while rocket debris is not expected to fall on land or populated areas within Philippine territory, there remains potential danger to boats, fishing vessels, and other sea-going craft passing through the designated drop zones.

The Philippine Space Agency, working in coordination with BFAR, has issued specific safety recommendations.

Any rocket debris that surfaces should not be approached or collected due to potential contamination from toxic rocket fuel components.

Personnel protective equipment (PPE) should be used if contact is necessary.

The public should immediately report any suspected debris to LGU authorities, BFAR said.

The advisory warns that floating rocket debris could potentially drift toward nearby coastlines in the future, posing continued risks to maritime activities in Mimaropa.