At present, the Philippine Fisheries Code is the most important law concerning coastal resource management, due to its extensive grant of management jurisdiction to the cities and municipalities over fisheries and aquatic resources within their municipal waters, which is the most extensively-used resource in the coastal areas.

Unless they are covered under special laws, the cities and municipalities exercise general fisheries management jurisdiction over their entire municipal waters, which include the enactment of ordinances; law enforcement; imposition of license fees, charges, and rentals; closed seasons; and the designation of fish reserves, refuges, and sanctuaries. Cities and municipalities manage capture fisheries through the power to grant and regulate all fishery privileges and activities within municipal waters. Resident municipal fisherfolk and their cooperatives and associations have priority to exploit municipal waters, and the LGUs are mandated to maintain a registry of municipal fisherfolk, which can be the basis for management decisions such as exclusion from the municipal waters. Municipal waters are generally reserved for municipal fishing, i.e. fishing with vessels of 3 gross tons or less, or without the use of vessels. Commercial fishing may be allowed only in small or medium-scale, and only in the 10.1 to 15 kilometer zone of municipal waters, under stringent conditions.

In the case of shared fishery areas such as rivers and lakes, the Code mandates that contiguous fishery resources which straddle several municipalities, cities, or provinces should be managed as single resource systems and in an integrated manner which is not dependent on political subdivisions of municipal waters. Such contiguous resources are inferred to include bays, gulfs, lakes, rivers, and dam-areas. The local government units sharing or bordering such resources may group themselves and coordinate with each other for purposes of integrated fishery resource management.

To support the local government units in the management of fishery resources, Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Councils (FARMC) are created in all cities and municipalities abutting municipal waters. FARMCs are basically multi-sectoral councils with advisory and recommendatory functions, providing assistance to the national or local government units in matters of fishery development planning, enactment of ordinances, management, and enforcement. They serve as the main sounding board for the local governments in matters of fishery management.

Municipal fisherfolk have priority in terms of the allocation and use of fishery resources in their municipal waters. Municipal fisherfolk associations and cooperatives are further granted preference or priority in the grant of fishing privileges in municipal waters; utilization of all fishery related activities; use of demarcated fishery areas for fish capture, mariculture, or fish farming; exploitation of municipal and demarcated fishery areas; grant of demarcated fishery rights for mariculture operations in areas designated by the BFAR; issuance of commercial fishing boat licenses; access to credit and guarantee funds; and the issuance of Fishpond Lease Agreements. They are also entitled to participation in the development of a Code of Practice for Aquaculture; participation in post-harvest operations and ancillary industries; participation in the formation of FARMCs; preference in the grant of fisheries financial facilities; and consultation in the identification of community infrastructure facilities such as fish landing ports, ice plants, and cold storage facilities.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8550

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT,
MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION OF THE
FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES,
INTEGRATING ALL LAWS PERTINENT THERETO,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the State:

a. to achieve food security as the overriding consideration in the utilization, management, development, conservation and protection of fishery resources in order to provide the food needs of the population. A flexible policy towards the attainment of food security shall be adopted in response to changes in demographic trends for fish, emerging trends in the trade of fish and other aquatic products in domestic and international markets, and the law of supply and demand;

b. to limit access to the fishery and aquatic resources of the Philippines for the exclusive use and enjoyment of Filipino citizens;

c. to ensure the rational and sustainable development, management and conservation of the fishery and aquatic resources in Philippine waters including the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and in the adjacent high seas, consistent with the primordial objective of maintaining a sound ecological balance, protecting and enhancing the quality of the environment;

d. to protect the rights of fisherfolk, especially of the local communities with priority to municipal fisherfolk, in the preferential use of the municipal waters. Such preferential use, shall be based on, but not limited to, Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) or Total Allowable Catch (TAC) on the basis of resources and ecological conditions, and shall be consistent with our commitments under international treaties and agreements;

e. to provide support to the fishery sector, primarily to the municipal fisherfolk, including women and youth sectors, through appropriate technology and research, adequate financial, production, construction of post-harvest facilities, marketing assistance, and other services. The protection of municipal fisherfolk against foreign intrusion shall extend to offshore fishing grounds. Fishworkers shall receive a just share for their labor in the utilization of marine and fishery resources;

f. to manage fishery and aquatic resources, in a manner consistent with the concept of an integrated coastal area management in specific natural fishery management areas, appropriately supported by research, technical services and guidance provided by the State; and

g. to grant the private sector the privilege to utilize fishery resources under the basic concept that the grantee, licensee or permittee thereof shall not only be a privileged beneficiary of the State but also active participant and partner of the Government in the sustainable development, management, conservation and protection of the fishery and aquatic resources of the country.

1. Conservation, protection and sustained management of the country's fishery and aquatic resources;

2. Poverty alleviation and the provision of supplementary livelihood among municipal fisherfolk;

3. Improvement of productivity of aquaculture within ecological limits;

4. Optimal utilization of offshore and deep-sea resources; and

5. Upgrading of post-harvest technology.

SECTION 3. Application of its Provisions. — The provisions of this Code shall be enforced in:

a. all Philippine waters including other waters over which the Philippines has sovereignty and jurisdiction, and the country's 200-nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf;

b. all aquatic and fishery resources whether inland, coastal or offshore fishing areas, including but not limited to fishponds, fishpens/cages; and

c. all lands devoted to aquaculture, or businesses and activities relating to fishery, whether private or public lands.

SECTION 4. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Code, the following terms and phrases shall mean as follows:

1. Ancillary Industries — firms or companies related to the supply, construction and maintenance of fishing vessels, gears, nets and other fishing paraphernalia; fishery machine shops; and other facilities such as hatcheries, nurseries, feed plants, cold storage and refrigeration, processing plants and other pre-harvest and post-harvest facilities.

2. Appropriate Fishing Technology — adaptable technology, both in fishing and ancillary industries, that is ecologically sound, locally source-based and labor intensive.

3. Aquaculture — fishery operations involving all forms of raising and culturing fish and other fishery species in fresh, brackish and marine water areas.

4. Aquatic Pollution — the introduction by human or machine, directly or indirectly, of substances or energy to the aquatic environment which result or is likely to result in such deleterious effects as to harm living and non-living aquatic resources, pose potential and/or real hazard to human health, hindrance to aquatic activities such as fishing and navigation, including dumping/disposal of waste and other marine litters, discharge of petroleum or residual products of petroleum or carbonaceous materials/substances, and other, radioactive, noxious or harmful liquid, gaseous or solid substances, from any water, land or air transport or other human-made structure. Deforestation, unsound agricultural practices such as the use of banned chemicals and excessive use of chemicals, intensive use of artificial fish feed, and wetland conversion, which cause similar hazards and deleterious effects shall also constitute aquatic pollution.

5. Aquatic Resources — includes fish, all other aquatic flora and fauna and other living resources of the aquatic environment, including, but not limited to, salt and corals.

6. Artificial Reefs — any structure of natural or man-made materials placed on a body of water to serve as shelter and habitat, source of food, breeding areas for fishery species and shoreline protection.

7. Catch Ceilings — refer to the annual catch limits allowed to be taken, gathered or harvested from any fishing area in consideration of the need to prevent overfishing and harmful depletion of breeding stocks of aquatic organisms.

8. Closed Season — the period during which the taking of specified fishery species by a specified fishing gear is prohibited in a specified area or areas in Philippine waters.

9. Coastal Area/Zone — is a band of dry land and adjacent ocean space (water and submerged land) in which terrestrial processes and uses directly affect oceanic processes and uses, and vice versa; its geographic extent may include areas within a landmark limit of one (1) kilometer from the shoreline at high tide to include mangrove swamps, brackish water ponds, nipa swamps, estuarine rivers, sandy beaches and other areas within a seaward limit of 200 meters isobath to include coral reefs, algal flats, seagrass beds and other soft-bottom areas.

10. Commercial Fishing — the taking of fishery species by passive or active gear for trade, business & profit beyond subsistence or sports fishing, to be further classified as:

1. Small scale commercial fishing — fishing with passive or active gear utilizing fishing vessels of 3.1 gross tons (GT) up to twenty (20) GT;

2. Medium scale commercial fishing — fishing utilizing active gears and vessels of 20.1 GT up to one hundred fifty (150) GT; and

3. Large commercial fishing — fishing utilizing active gears and vessels of more than one hundred fifty (150) GT.

11. Commercial Scale — a scheme of producing a minimum harvest per hectare per year of milkfish or other species including those raised in pens, cages, and tanks to be determined by the Department in consultation with the concerned sectors;

12. Coral — the hard calcareous substance made up of the skeleton of marine coelenterate polyps which include reefs, shelves and atolls or any of the marine coelenterate animals living in colonies where their skeletons form a stony mass. They include: (a) skeletons of anthozoan coelenterates characterized as having a rigid axis of compact calcareous or horny spicules, belonging to the genus corallium as represented by the red, pink, and white corals which are considered precious corals; (b) skeletons of anthozoan coelenterates characterized by thorny, horny axis such as the antipatharians represented by the black corals which are considered semi-precious corals; and (c) ordinary corals which are any kind of corals that are not precious nor semi-precious.

13. Coral Reef — a natural aggregation of coral skeleton, with or without living coral polyps, occurring in intertidal and subtidal marine waters.

14. Demarcated Areas — boundaries defined by markers and assigned exclusively to specific individuals or organizations for certain specified and limited uses such as:

a. Aquaculture, sea ranching and sea farming;

b. Fish aggregating devices;

c. Fixed and passive fishing gears; and

d. Fry and fingerlings gathering.

15. Department — shall mean the Department of Agriculture.

16. Electrofishing — the use of electricity generated by batteries, electric generators and other source of electric power to kill, stupefy, disable or render unconscious fishery species, whether or not the same are subsequently recovered.

17. Endangered Rare and/or Threatened Species — aquatic plants, animals, including some varieties of corals and sea shells in danger of extinction as provided for in existing fishery laws, rules and regulations or in the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and in the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES).

18. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) — an area beyond and adjacent to the territorial sea which shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baselines as defined under existing laws.

19. FARMCs — the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils.

20. Farm-to-Market Roads — shall include roads linking the fisheries production sites, coastal landing points and other post-harvest facilities to major market and arterial roads and highways.

21. Fine Mesh Net — net with mesh size of less than three centimeters (3 cm.) measured between two (2) opposite knots of a full mesh when stretched or as otherwise determined by the appropriate government agency.

22. Fish and Fishery/Aquatic Products — include not only finfish but also mollusks, crustaceans, echinoderms, marine mammals, and all other species of aquatic flora and fauna and all other products of aquatic living resources in any form.

23. Fish Cage — refers to an enclosure which is either stationary or floating made up of nets or screens sewn or fastened together and installed in the water with opening at the surface or covered and held in a place by wooden/bamboo posts or various types of anchors and floats.

24. Fish Corral or "Baklad" — a stationary weir or trap devised to intercept and capture fish consisting of rows of bamboo stakes, plastic nets and other materials fenced with split blood mattings or wire mattings with one or more enclosures, usually with easy entrance but difficult exit, and with or without leaders to direct the fish to the catching chambers, purse or bags.

25. Fish fingerlings — a stage in the life cycle of the fish measuring to about 6-13 cm. depending on the species.

26. Fish fry — a stage at which a fish has just been hatched usually with sizes from 1-2.5 cm.

27. Fish pen — an artificial enclosure constructed within a body of water for culturing fish and fishery/aquatic resources made up of poles closely arranged in an enclosure with wooden materials, screen or nylon netting to prevent escape of fish.

28. Fisherfolk — people directly or personally and physically engaged in taking and/or culturing and processing fishery and/or aquatic resources.

29. Fisherfolk Cooperative — a duly registered association of fisherfolk with a common bond of interest, who have voluntarily joined together to achieve a lawful common social or economic end, making equitable contribution to the capital requirement and accepting a fair share of the risks and benefits of the undertakings in accordance with universally accepted cooperative principles.

30. Fisherfolk Organization — an organized group, association, federation, alliance or an institution of fisherfolk which has at least fifteen (15) members, a set of officers, a constitution and by-laws, an organizational structure and a program of action.

31. Fisheries — refers to all activities relating to the act or business of fishing, culturing, preserving, processing, marketing, developing, conserving and managing aquatic resources and the fishery areas, including the privilege to fish or take aquatic resource thereof.

32. Fish Pond — a land-based facility enclosed with earthen or stone material to impound water for growing fish.

33. Fishing Boat/Gear License — a permit to operate specific types of fishing boat/gear for specific duration in areas beyond municipal waters for demersal or pelagic fishery resources.

34. Fishery Management Areas — a bay, gulf, lake or any other fishery area which may be delineated for fishery resource management purposes.

35. Fishery Operator — one who owns and provides the means including land, labor, capital, fishing gears and vessels, but does not personally engage in fishery.

36. Fishery Refuge and Sanctuaries — a designated area where fishing or other forms of activities which may damage the ecosystem of the area is prohibited and human access may be restricted.

37. Fishery Reserve — a designated area where activities are regulated and set aside for educational and research purposes.

38. Fishery Species — all aquatic flora and fauna including, but not restricted to, fish, algae, coelenterates, mollusks, crustaceans, echinoderms and cetaceans.

39. Fishing — the taking of fishery species from their wild state of habitat, with or without the use of fishing vessels.

40. Fishing gear — any instrument or device and its accessories utilized in taking fish and other fishery species.

a. Active fishing gear — is a fishing device characterized by gear movements, and/or the pursuit of the target species by towing, lifting, and pushing the gears, surrounding, covering, dredging, pumping and scaring the target species to impoundments; such as, but not limited to, trawl, purse seines, Danish seines, bag nets, paaling, drift gill net and tuna longline.

b. Passive fishing gear — is characterized by the absence of gear movements and/or the pursuit of the target species; such as, but not limited to, hook and line, fishpots, traps and gill nets across the path of the fish.

41. Fishing vessel — any boat, ship or other watercraft equipped to be used for taking of fishery species or aiding or assisting one (1) or more vessels in the performance of any activity relating to fishing, including, but not limited to, preservation, supply, storage, refrigeration, transportation and/or processing.

42. Fishing with Explosives — the use of the dynamite, other explosives or other chemical compounds that contain combustible elements or ingredients which upon ignition by friction, concussion, percussion or detonation of all or parts of the compound, will kill, stupefy, disable or render unconscious any fishery species. It also refers to the use of any other substance and/or device which causes an explosion that is capable of producing the said harmful effects on any fishery species and aquatic resources and capable of damaging and altering the natural habitat.

43. Fishing with Noxious or Poisonous Substances — the use of any substance, plant extracts or juice thereof, sodium cyanide and/or cyanide compounds or other chemicals either in a raw or processed form, harmful or harmless to human beings, which will kill, stupefy, disable or render unconscious any fishery species and aquatic resources and capable of damaging and altering the natural habitat.

44. Fishworker — a person regularly or not regularly employed in commercial fishing and related industries, whose income is either in wage, profit-sharing or stratified sharing basis, including those working in fish pens, fish cages, fish corrals/traps, fishponds, prawn farms, sea farms, salt beds, fish ports, fishing boat or trawlers, or fish processing and/or packing plants. Excluded from this category are administrators, security guards and overseers.

45. Food Security — refers to any plan, policy or strategy aimed at ensuring adequate supplies of appropriate food at affordable prices. Food security may be achieved through self-sufficiency (i.e. ensuring adequate food supplies from domestic production), through self-reliance (i.e. ensuring adequate food supplies through a combination of domestic production and importation), or through pure importation.

46. Foreshore Land — a string of land margining a body of water; the part of a seashore between the low-water line usually at the seaward margin of a low tide terrace and the upper limit of wave wash at high tide usually marked by a beach scarp or berm.

47. Fully-developed Fishpond Area — a clean leveled area enclosed by dikes, at least one foot higher than the highest floodwater level in the locality and strong enough to resist pressure at the highest flood tide; consists of at least a nursery pond, a transition pond, a rearing pond or a combination of any or all said classes of ponds, and a functional water control system and producing in a commercial scale.

48. Gross Tonnage — includes the underdeck tonnage, permanently enclosed spaces above the tonnage deck, except for certain exemptions. In broad terms, all the vessel's 'closed-in' spaces expressed in volume terms on the bases of one hundred cubic feet (that equals one gross ton).

49. Inland Fishery — the freshwater fishery and brackishwater fishponds.

50. Lake — an inland body of water, an expanded part of a river, a reservoir formed by a dam, or a lake basin intermittently or formerly covered by water.

51. Limited Access — a fishery policy by which a system of equitable resource and allocation is established by law through fishery rights granting and licensing procedure as provided by this Code.

52. Mangroves — a community of intertidal plants including all species of trees, shrubs, vines and herbs found on coasts, swamps, or border of swamps.

53. Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) — is the largest average quantity of fish that can be harvested from a fish stocks/resource within a period of time (e.g. one year) on a sustainable basis under existing environmental conditions.

54. Migratory species — refers to any fishery species which in the course of their life could travel from freshwater to marine water or vice versa, or any marine species which travel over great distances in waters of the ocean as part of their behavioral adaptation for survival and speciation:

(a) Anadromous species — marine fishes which migrate to freshwater areas to spawn;

(b) Catadromous species — freshwater fishes which migrate to marine areas to spawn.

55. Monitoring, control and surveillance —

a. Monitoring — the requirement of continuously observing: (1) fishing effort which can be expressed by the number of days or hours of fishing, number of fishing gears and number of fisherfolk; (2) characteristics of fishery resources; and (3) resource yields (catch);

b. Control — the regulatory conditions (legal framework) under which the exploitation, utilization and disposition of the resources may be conducted; and

c. Surveillance — the degree and types of observations required to maintain compliance with regulations.

56. Municipal fisherfolk — persons who are directly or indirectly engaged in municipal fishing and other related fishing activities.

57. Municipal fishing — refers to fishing within municipal waters using fishing vessels of three (3) gross tons or less, or fishing not requiring the use of fishing vessels.

58. Municipal waters — include not only streams, lakes, inland bodies of water and tidal waters within the municipality which are not included within the protected areas as defined under Republic Act No. 7586 (The NIPAS Law), public forest, timber lands, forest reserves or fishery reserves, but also marine waters included between two (2) lines drawn perpendicular to the general coastline from points where the boundary lines of the municipality touch the sea at low tide and a third line parallel with the general coastline including offshore islands and fifteen (15) kilometers from such coastline. Where two (2) municipalities are so situated on opposite shores that there is less than thirty (30) kilometers of marine waters between them, the third line shall be equally distant from opposite shore of the respective municipalities.

59. Non-governmental organization (NGO) — an agency, institution, a foundation or a group of persons whose purpose is to assist peoples organizations/associations in various ways including, but not limited to, organizing, education, training, research and/or resource accessing.

60. Payao — a fish aggregating device consisting of a floating raft anchored by a weighted line with suspended materials such as palm fronds to attract pelagic and schooling species common in deep waters.

61. Pearl Farm Lease — public waters leased for the purpose of producing cultured pearls.

62. People's Organization — a bonafide association of citizens with demonstrated capacity to promote the public interest and with identifiable leadership, membership and structure. Its members belong to a sector/s who voluntarily band themselves together to work for and by themselves for their own upliftment, development and greater good.

63. Person — natural or juridical entities such as individuals, associations, partnership, cooperatives or corporations.

64. Philippine waters — include all bodies of water within the Philippine territory such as lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, brooks, ponds, swamps, lagoons, gulfs, bays and seas and other bodies of water now existing or which may hereafter exist in the provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays and the waters around, between and connecting the islands of the archipelago regardless of their breadth and dimensions, the territorial sea, the sea beds, the insular shelves, and all other waters over which the Philippines has sovereignty and jurisdiction including the 200-nautical miles Exclusive Economic Zone and the continental shelf.

65. Post-harvest facilities — these facilities include, but are not limited to, fishport, fishlanding, ice plants and cold storages, fish processing plants.

66. Purse Seine — a form of encircling net having a line at the bottom passing through rings attached to the net, which can be drawn or pursed. In general, the net is set from a boat or pair of boats around the school of fish. The bottom of the net is pulled closed with the purse line. The net is then pulled aboard the fishing boat or boats until the fish are concentrated in the bunt or fish bag.

67. Resource Rent — the difference between the value of the products produced from harvesting a publicly owned resource less the cost of producing it, where cost includes the normal return to capital and normal return to labor.

68. Sea farming — the stocking of natural or hatchery-produced marine plants or animals, under controlled conditions, for purposes of rearing and harvesting, but not limited to commercially-important fishes, mollusks (such as pearl and giant clam culture), including seaweeds and seagrasses.

69. Sea ranching — the release of the young of fishery species reared in hatcheries and nurseries into natural bodies of water for subsequent harvest at maturity or the manipulation of fishery habitat, to encourage the growth of the wild stocks.

70. Secretary — the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture.

71. Superlight — also called magic light, is a type of light using halogen or metal halide bulb which may be located above the sea surface or submerged in the water. It consists of a ballast, regulator, electric cable and socket. The source of energy comes from a generator, battery or dynamo coupled with the main engine.

72. Total Allowable Catch (TAC) — the maximum harvest allowed to be taken during a given period of time from any fishery area, or from any fishery species or group of fishery species, or a combination of area and species and normally would not exceed the MSY.

73. Trawl — an active fishing gear consisting of a bag shaped net with or without otter boards to open its opening which is dragged or towed along the bottom or through the water column to take fishery species by straining them from the water, including all variations and modifications of trawls (bottom, mid-water, and baby trawls) and tow nets.

CHAPTER II

UTILIZATION, MANAGEMENT, DEVELOPMENT,
CONSERVATION AND ALLOCATION SYSTEM OF
FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES

SECTION 5. Use of Philippine Waters. — The use and exploitation of the fishery and aquatic resources in Philippine waters shall be reserved exclusively to Filipinos: Provided, however, That research and survey activities may be allowed under strict regulations, for purely research, scientific, technological and educational purposes that would also benefit Filipino citizens.

SECTION 6. Fees and Other Fishery Charges. — The rentals for fishpond areas covered by the Fishpond Lease Agreement (FLA) and license fees for Commercial Fishing Boat Licenses (CFBL) shall be set at levels that reflect resource rent accruing from the utilization of resources and shall be determined by the Department: Provided, That the Department shall also prescribe fees and other fishery charges and issue the corresponding license or permit for fishing gear, fishing accessories and other fishery activities beyond the municipal waters: Provided, further, That the license fees of fishery activity in municipal waters shall be determined by the Local Government Units (LGUs) in consultation with the FARMCs. The FARMCs may also recommend the appropriate license fees that will be imposed.

SECTION 7. Access to Fishery Resources. — The Department shall issue such number of licenses and permits for the conduct of fishery activities subject to the limits of the MSY of the resource as determined by scientific studies or best available evidence. Preference shall be given to resource users in the local communities adjacent or nearest to the municipal waters.

SECTION 8. Catch Ceiling Limitations. — The Secretary may prescribe limitations or quota on the total quantity of fish captured, for a specified period of time and specified area based on the best available evidence. Such a catch ceiling may be imposed per species of fish whenever necessary and practicable: Provided, however, That in municipal waters and fishery management areas, and waters under the jurisdiction of special agencies, catch ceilings may be established upon the concurrence and approval or recommendation of such special agency and the concerned LGU in consultation with the FARMC for conservation or ecological purposes.

SECTION 9. Establishment of Closed Season. — The Secretary may declare, through public notice in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation or in public service announcements, whichever is applicable, at least five (5) days before the declaration, a closed season in any or all Philippine waters outside the boundary of municipal waters and in bays, for conservation and ecological purposes. The Secretary may include waters under the jurisdiction of special agencies, municipal waters and bays, and/or other areas reserved for the use of the municipal fisherfolk in the area to be covered by the closed season: Provided, however, That this shall be done only upon the concurrence and approval or recommendation of such special agency and the concerned LGU and FARMC: Provided, further, That in municipal waters, fishery management areas and other areas reserved for the use of the municipal fisherfolk, closed season may be established by the concerned LGU in consultation with the FARMC for conservation or ecological purposes. The FARMCs may also recommend the establishment of closed seasons in municipal waters, fisheries management and other areas reserved for the use of the municipal fisherfolk.

SECTION 10. Introduction of Foreign Aquatic Species. — No foreign finfish, mollusk, crustacean or aquatic plants shall be introduced in Philippine waters without a sound ecological, biological and environmental justification based on scientific studies subject to the bio-safety standard as provided for by existing laws: Provided, however, That the Department may approve the introduction of foreign aquatic species for scientific/research purposes.

SECTION 11. Protection of Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species. — The Department shall declare closed seasons and take conservation and rehabilitation measures for rare, threatened and endangered species, as it may determine, and shall ban the fishing and/or taking of rare, threatened and/or endangered species, including their eggs/offspring as identified by existing laws in concurrence with concerned government agencies.

SECTION 12. Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). — All government agencies as well as private corporations, firms and entities who intend to undertake activities or projects which will affect the quality of the environment shall be required to prepare a detailed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) prior to undertaking such development activity. The preparation of the EIS shall form an integral part of the entire planning process pursuant to the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 1586 as well as its implementing rules and regulations.

SECTION 13. Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). — All Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) shall be submitted to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for review and evaluation. No person, natural or juridical, shall undertake any development project without first securing an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Secretary of the DENR.

SECTION 14. Monitoring, Control and Surveillance of Philippine Waters. — A monitoring, control and surveillance system shall be established by the Department in coordination with LGUs, FARMCs, the private sector and other agencies concerned to ensure that the fisheries and aquatic resources in Philippine waters are judiciously and wisely utilized and managed on a sustainable basis and conserved for the benefit and enjoyment exclusively of Filipino citizens.

SECTION 15. Auxiliary Invoices. — All fish and fishery products must have an auxiliary invoice to be issued by the LGUs or their duly authorized representatives prior to their transport from their point of origin to their point of destination in the Philippines and/or export purposes upon payment of a fee to be determined by the LGUs to defray administrative costs therefor.

ARTICLE I

MUNICIPAL FISHERIES

SECTION 16. Jurisdiction of Municipal/City Government. — The municipal/city government shall have jurisdiction over municipal waters as defined in this Code. The municipal/city government, in consultation with the FARMC shall be responsible for the management, conservation, development, protection, utilization, and disposition of all fish and fishery/aquatic resources within their respective municipal waters.

The municipal/city government may, in consultation with the FARMC, enact appropriate ordinances for this purpose and in accordance with the National Fisheries Policy. The ordinances enacted by the municipality and component city shall be reviewed pursuant to Republic Act No. 7160 by the sanggunian of the province which has jurisdiction over the same.

The LGUs shall also enforce all fishery laws, rules and regulations as well as valid fishery ordinances enacted by the municipal/city council.

The management of contiguous fishery resources such as bays which straddle several municipalities, cities or provinces, shall be done in an integrated manner, and shall not be based on political subdivisions of municipal waters in order to facilitate their management as single resource systems. The LGUs which share or border such resources may group themselves and coordinate with each other to achieve the objectives of integrated fishery resource management. The Integrated Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (FARMCs) established under Section 76 of this Code shall serve as the venues for close collaboration among LGUs in the management of contiguous resources.

SECTION 17. Grant of Fishing Privileges in Municipal Waters. — The duly registered fisherfolk organizations/cooperatives shall have preference in the grant of fishery rights by the Municipal/City Council pursuant to Section 149 of the Local Government Code: Provided, That in areas where there are special agencies or offices vested with jurisdiction over municipal waters by virtue of special laws creating these agencies such as, but not limited to, the Laguna Lake Development Authority and the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, said offices and agencies shall continue to grant permits for proper management and implementation of the aforementioned structures.

SECTION 18. Users of Municipal Waters. — All fishery related activities in municipal waters, as defined in this Code, shall be utilized by municipal fisherfolk and their cooperatives/organizations who are listed as such in the registry of municipal fisherfolk.

The municipal or city government, however, may, through its local chief executive and acting pursuant to an appropriate ordinance, authorize or permit small and medium commercial fishing vessels to operate within the ten point one (10.1) to fifteen (15) kilometer area from the shoreline in municipal waters as defined herein, provided, that all the following are met:

a. no commercial fishing in municipal waters with depth less than seven (7) fathoms as certified by the appropriate agency;

b. fishing activities utilizing methods and gears that are determined to be consistent with national policies set by the Department;

c. prior consultation, through public hearing, with the M/CFARMC has been conducted; and

d. the applicant vessel as well as the shipowner, employer, captain and crew have been certified by the appropriate agency as not having violated this Code, environmental laws and related laws.

ARTICLE II

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES

SECTION 26. Commercial Fishing Vessel License and Other Licenses. — No person shall operate a commercial fishing vessel, pearl fishing vessel or fishing vessel for scientific, research or educational purposes, or engage in any fishery activity, or seek employment as a fishworker or pearl diver without first securing a license from the Department, the period of which shall be prescribed by the Department: Provided, That no such license shall be required of a fishing vessel engaged in scientific, research or educational purposes within Philippine waters pursuant to an international agreement of which the Philippines is a signatory and which agreement defines the status, privileges and obligations of said vessel and its crew and the non-Filipino officials of the international agency under which said vessel operates: Provided, further, That members of the crew of a fishing vessel used for commercial fishing except the duly licensed and/or authorized patrons, marine engineers, radio operators and cooks shall be considered as fisherfolk: Provided, furthermore, That all skippers/master fishers shall be required to undertake an orientation training on detection of fish caught by illegal means before they can be issued their fishworker licenses: Provided, finally, That the large commercial fishing vessels license herein authorized to be granted shall allow the licensee to operate only in Philippine waters seven (7) or more fathoms deep, the depth to be certified by the NAMRIA, and subject to the conditions that may be stated therein and the rules and regulations that may be promulgated by the Department.

SECTION 27. Persons Eligible for Commercial Fishing Vessel License. — No commercial fishing vessel license shall be issued except to citizens of the Philippines, partnerships or to associations, cooperatives or corporations duly registered in the Philippines at least sixty percent (60%) of the capital stock of which is owned by Filipino citizens. No person to whom a license has been issued shall sell, transfer or assign, directly or indirectly, his stock or interest therein to any person not qualified to hold a license. Any such transfer, sale or assignment shall be null and void and shall not be registered in the books of the association, cooperative or corporation.
For purposes of commercial fishing, fishing vessels owned by citizens of the Philippines, partnerships, corporations, cooperatives or associations qualified under this section shall secure Certificates of Philippine Registry and such other documents as are necessary for fishing operations from the concerned agencies: Provided, That the commercial fishing vessel license shall be valid for a period to be determined by the Department.

SECTION 28. Commercial Fishing Vessel Registration. — The registration, documentation, inspection and manning of the operation of all types of fishing vessels plying Philippine waters shall be in accordance with laws, rules and regulations.

SECTION 29. Registration and Licensing of Fishing Gears Used in Commercial Fishing. — Before a commercial fishing vessel holding a commercial fishing vessel license may begin fishing operations in Philippine waters, the fishing gear it will utilize in fishing shall be registered and a license granted therefor. The Department shall promulgate guidelines to implement this provision within sixty (60) days from approval of this Code.

SECTION 30. Renewal of Commercial Boat License. — The commercial fishing boat license shall be renewed every three (3) years.

The owner/operator of a fishing vessel has a period of sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the license within which to renew the same.

SECTION 31. Report of Transfer of Ownership. — The owner/operator of a registered fishing vessel shall notify the Department in writing of the transfer of the ownership of the vessel with a copy of such document within ten (10) days after its transfer to another person.

SECTION 32. Fishing by Philippine Commercial Fishing Fleet in International Waters. — Fishing vessels of Philippine registry may operate in international waters or waters of other countries which allow such fishing operations: Provided, That they comply with the safety, manning and other requirements of the Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Industry Authority and other agencies concerned: Provided, however, That they secure an international fishing permit and certificate of clearance from the Department: Provided, further, That the fish caught by such vessels shall be considered as caught in Philippine waters and therefore not subject to all import duties and taxes only when the same is landed in duly designated fish landings and fish ports in the Philippines: Provided, furthermore, That landing ports established by canneries, seafood processors and all fish landing sites established prior to the effectivity of this Code shall be considered authorized landing sites: Provided, finally, That fishworkers on board Philippine registered fishing vessels conducting fishing activities beyond the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone are not considered as overseas Filipino workers.

SECTION 33. Importation of Fishing Vessels or Construction of New Fishing Boats. — Prior to the importation of fishing vessels and the construction of new fishing vessels, the approval/clearance of the Department must first be obtained.

SECTION 34. Incentives for Municipal and Small-Scale Commercial Fisherfolk. — Municipal and small-scale commercial fisherfolk shall be granted incentives which shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. at least ten percent (10%) of the credit and the guarantee funds of government financing institutions shall be made available for post-harvest and marketing projects for the purpose of enhancing our fisherfolk competitiveness by reducing post-harvest losses. Qualified projects shall include, but shall not be limited to, ice plants, cold storage, canning, warehouse, transport and other related infrastructure projects and facilities; and

b. the Department shall undertake the following programs:

1. a capability-building program for targeted parties shall be developed by the Department to promote greater bankability and credit worthiness of municipal and small-scale commercial fishers. Such program shall include organizing activities, technology transfer, and skills training related to commercial fishing as well as credit management. Groups and cooperatives organized under the program shall have priority access over credit and guarantee funds established under this Code; and

2. an information campaign shall be conducted to promote the capability building and credit programs. The campaign shall ensure greater information dissemination and accessibility to targeted fisherfolk.

SECTION 35. Incentives for Commercial Fishers to Fish Farther into the Exclusive Economic Zone. — In order to encourage fishing vessel operators to fish farther in the EEZ and beyond, new incentives for improvement of fishing vessels and acquisition of fishing equipment shall be granted in addition to incentives already available from the Board of Investments (BOI). Such incentives shall be granted subject to exhaustive evaluation of resource and exploitation conditions in the specified areas of fishing operations. The incentive shall include, but not be limited to:

a. long term loans supported by guarantee facilities to finance the building and acquisition and/or improvement of fishing vessels and equipment;

b. commercial fishing vessel operators of Philippine registry shall enjoy a limited period of tax and duty exemptions on the importation of fishing vessels not more than five (5) years old, equipment and paraphernalia, the period of exemption and guidelines shall be fixed by the Department within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Code;

c. commercial fishing operator of Philippine registry engaged in fisheries in the high seas shall be entitled to duty and tax rebates on fuel consumption for commercial fisheries operations. Guidelines shall be promulgated within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Code by the Department; and

d. all applicable incentives available under the Omnibus Investment Code of 1987: Provided, That the fishing operation project is qualified for registration and is duly registered with the BOI.

SECTION 36. Complement of Fishing Vessels. — Every commercial fishing vessel of Philippine registry when actually operated, shall be manned in accordance with the requirements of the Philippine Merchant Marine rules and regulations.

SECTION 37. Medical Supplies and Life-Saving Devices. — All fishing vessels shall be provided with adequate medical supplies and life-saving devices to be determined by the Occupational Safety and Health Center: Provided, That a fishing vessel of twenty (20) GT or more shall have as a member of its crew a person qualified as a first aider duly certified by the Philippine National Red Cross.

SECTION 38. Reportorial Requirements. — Each commercial fishing vessel shall keep a daily record of fish catch and spoilage, landing points, and quantity and value of fish caught, and off-loaded for transshipment, sale and/or other disposal. Detailed information shall be duly certified by the vessel's captain and transmitted monthly to the officer or representative of the Department, at the nearest designated landing point.

SECTION 39. Report of Meteorological and Other Data. — All vessels and crafts passing navigational lanes or engaged in fisheries activity shall be required to contribute to meteorological and other data, and shall assist the Department in documentation or reporting of information vital to navigation and the fishing industry.

SECTION 40. Color Code and Radio Frequency. — For administrative efficiency and enforcement of regulations, registered fishing vessels shall bear a color code as may be determined by the Department and may be assigned a radio frequency specific and distinct to its area of operation.

SECTION 41. Passage. — Commercial and other passage not in the regular conduct of fisheries activity shall be made at designated navigational lanes.

SECTION 42. Transshipment. — Foreign fishing vessels wishing to avail of land, air and sea facilities available in the Philippines to transport fishery products which are caught outside Philippine territorial waters to its final destination shall call only at duly designated government-owned or -controlled regional fishport complexes after securing clearance from the Department.

SECTION 43. Operation of Radio Communication Facilities on Board Fishing Vessels. — The Department shall promulgate guidelines in the operation of radio communication facilities on board fishing vessels and the assignment of radio frequencies specific and distinct to area of operation in coordination with the National Telecommunications Commission.

SECTION 44. Use of Superlight. — The number and wattage of superlights used in commercial fishing vessels shall be regulated by the Department: Provided, That the use of superlights is banned within municipal waters and bays.

ARTICLE III

AQUACULTURE

a. Areas leased for fishpond purposes shall be no more than 50 hectares for individuals and 250 hectares for corporations or fisherfolk organizations;

b. The lease shall be for a period of twenty-five (25) years and renewable for another twenty-five (25) years: Provided, That in case of the death of the lessee, his spouse and/or children, as his heirs, shall have preemptive rights to the unexpired term of his Fishpond Lease Agreement subject to the same terms and conditions provided herein provided that the said heirs are qualified;

c. Lease rates for fishpond areas shall be determined by the Department: Provided, That all fees collected shall be remitted to the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute and other qualified research institutions to be used for aquaculture research development;

d. The area leased shall be developed and producing on a commercial scale within three (3) years from the approval of the lease contract: Provided, however, That all areas not fully producing within five (5) years from the date of approval of the lease contract shall automatically revert to the public domain for reforestation;

e. The fishpond shall not be subleased, in whole or in part, and failure to comply with this provision shall mean cancellation of FLA;

f. The transfer or assignment of rights to FLA shall be allowed only upon prior written approval of the Department;

g. The lessee shall undertake reforestation for river banks, bays, streams, and seashore fronting the dike of his fishpond subject to the rules and regulations to be promulgated thereon; and

h. The lessee shall provide facilities that will minimize environmental pollution, i.e., settling ponds, reservoirs, etc: Provided, That failure to comply with this provision shall mean cancellation of FLA.

SECTION 47. Code of Practice for Aquaculture. — The Department shall establish a code of practice for aquaculture that will outline general principles and guidelines for environmentally-sound design and operation to promote the sustainable development of the industry. Such Code shall be developed through a consultative process with the DENR, the fishworkers, FLA holders, fishpond owners, fisherfolk cooperatives, small-scale operators, research institutions and the academe, and other potential stakeholders. The Department may consult with specialized international organizations in the formulation of the code of practice.

SECTION 48. Incentives and Disincentives for Sustainable Aquaculture Practices. — The Department shall formulate incentives and disincentives, such as, but not limited to, effluent charges, user fees and negotiable permits, to encourage compliance with the environmental standards and to promote sustainable management practices.

SECTION 49. Reversion of All Abandoned, Undeveloped or Underutilized Fishponds. — The DENR, in coordination with the Department, LGUs, other concerned agencies and FARMCs shall determine which abandoned, underdeveloped or underutilized fishponds covered by FLAs can be reverted to their original mangrove state and after having made such determination shall take all steps necessary to restore such areas in their original mangrove state.

SECTION 50. Absentee Fishpond Lease Agreement Holders. — Holders of fishpond lease agreements who have acquired citizenship in another country during the existence of the FLA shall have their lease automatically cancelled and the improvements thereon to be forfeited in favor of the government and disposed of in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated thereon.

SECTION 51. License to Operate Fish Pens, Fish Cages, Fish Traps and Other Structures for the Culture of Fish and Other Fishery Products. — Fish pens, fish cages, fish traps and other structures for the culture of fish and other fishery products shall be constructed and shall operate only within established zones duly designated by LGUs in consultation with the FARMCs concerned consistent with national fisheries policies after the corresponding licenses thereof have been secured. The area to be utilized for this purpose for individual person shall be determined by the LGUs in consultation with the concerned FARMC: Provided, however, That not over ten percent (10%) of the suitable water surface area of all lakes and rivers shall be allotted for aquaculture purposes like fish pens, fish cages and fish traps; and the stocking density and feeding requirement which shall be controlled and determined by its carrying capacity: Provided, further, That fish pens and fish cages located outside municipal waters shall be constructed and operated only within fish pen and fish cage belts designated by the Department and after corresponding licenses therefor have been secured and the fees thereof paid.

SECTION 52. Pearl Farm Leases. — The foregoing provisions notwithstanding, existing pearl farm leases shall be respected and allowed to operate under the terms thereof. New leases may be granted to qualified persons who possess the necessary capital and technology, by the LGUs having jurisdiction over the area.

SECTION 53. Grant of Privileges for Operations of Fish Pens, Cages, Corrals/Traps and Similar Structures. — No new concessions, licenses, permits, leases and similar privileges for the establishment or operation of fish pens, fish cages, fish corrals/traps and other similar structures in municipal areas shall be granted except to municipal fisherfolk and their organizations.

SECTION 54. Insurance for Fishponds, Fish Cages and Fish Pens. — Inland fishponds, fish cages and fish pens shall be covered under the insurance program of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation for losses caused by force majeure and fortuitous events.

SECTION 55. Non-Obstruction to Navigation. — Nothing in the foregoing sections shall be construed as permitting the lessee, licensee, or permittee to undertake any construction which will obstruct the free navigation in any stream, river, lakes, or bays flowing through or adjoining the fish pens, fish cages, fish traps and fishponds, or impede the flow of the tide to and from the area. Any construction made in violation hereof shall be removed upon the order of the Department in coordination with the other government agencies concerned at the expense of the lessee, licensee, or occupants thereof, whenever applicable. The Department shall within thirty (30) days after the effectivity of this Code formulate and implement rules and regulations for the immediate dismantling of existing obstruction to navigation.

SECTION 56. Non-Obstruction to Defined Migration Paths. — Nothing in the foregoing sections shall be construed as permitting the lessee, permittee, or licensee to undertake any construction which will obstruct any defined migration path of migratory fish species such as river mouths and estuaries with a distance determined by the concerned LGUs in consultation with and upon the recommendation of the FARMCs.

SECTION 57. Registration of Fish Hatcheries and Private Fishponds, etc. — All fish hatcheries, fish breeding facilities and private fishponds must be registered with the LGUs which shall prescribe minimum standards for such facilities in consultation with the Department: Provided, That the Department shall conduct a yearly inventory of all fishponds, fish pens and fish cages whether in public or private lands: Provided, further, That all fishpond, fish pens and fish cage operators shall annually report to the Department the type of species and volume of production in areas devoted to aquaculture.

ARTICLE IV
POST-HARVEST FACILITIES, ACTIVITIES AND TRADES

SECTION 58. Comprehensive Post-harvest and Ancillary Industries Plan. — The Department shall conduct a regular study of fisheries post-harvest operations and ancillary industries, in the formulation of a comprehensive plan for post-harvest and ancillary industries. It shall take into account among others, the following:

a. detailed and clear guidelines on the distribution, construction, maintenance and use of post-harvest infrastructure facilities;

b. extension of credit and incentives for post-harvest operations;

c. promotion and strengthening of semi-processing, processing and handling;

d. development of domestic fishmeal industry;

e. development of fisheries ship-building and repair as a viable industry;

f. development and strengthening of marketing facilities and activities, including the pricing system, with emphasis on collective marketing and the elimination of middlemen;

g. increased participation of cooperatives and non-governmental organizations in post-harvest operations and ancillary industries; and

h. integration of fisheries post-harvest operations into the national fisheries plan.

SECTION 59. Establishment of Post-Harvest Facilities for Fishing Communities. — The LGUs shall coordinate with the private sector and other concerned agencies and FARMCs in the establishment of post-harvest facilities for fishing communities such as, but not limited to, municipal fish landing sites, fish ports, ice plants and cold storage and other fish processing establishments to serve primarily the needs of municipal fisherfolk: Provided, That such post-harvest facilities shall be consistent with the Comprehensive Post-harvest and Ancillary Industries Plan.

SECTION 60. Registration and Licensing of all Post-Harvest Facilities. — All post-harvest facilities such as fish processing plants, ice plants, and cold storages, fish ports/landings and other fishery business establishments must register with and be licensed by the LGUs which shall prescribe minimum standards for such facilities in consultation with the Department.

SECTION 61. Importation and Exportation of Fishery Products. —

a. Export of fishery products shall be regulated whenever such exportation affects domestic food security and production: Provided, That exportation of live fish shall be prohibited except those which are hatched or propagated in accredited hatcheries and ponds;

b. To protect and maintain the local biodiversity or ensure the sufficiency of domestic supply, spawners, breeders, eggs and fry of bangus, prawn and other endemic species, as may be determined by the Department, shall not be exported or caused to be exported by any person;

c. Fishery products may be imported only when the importation has been certified as necessary by the Department in consultation with the FARMC, and all the requirements of this Code, as well as all existing rules and regulations have been complied with: Provided, That fish imports for canning/processing purposes only may be allowed without the necessary certification, but within the provisions of Section 61(d) of this Code; and

d. No person, shall import and/or export fishery products of whatever size, stage or form for any purpose without securing a permit from the Department. LexLib

The Department in consultation with the FARMC shall promulgate rules and regulations on importation and exportation of fish and fishery/aquatic resources with the Government's export/import simplification procedures.

SECTION 62. Instruments of Weights and Measures, and Quality Grades/Standards. — Standards for weights, volume and other measurements for all fishery transactions shall be set by the Department.
All fish and fishery products for export, import and domestic consumption shall meet the quality grades/standards as determined by the Department.

The LGU concerned shall, by appropriate ordinance, penalize fraudulent practices and unlawful possession or use of instruments of weights and measures.

CHAPTER III

RECONSTITUTION OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES
AND AQUATIC RESOURCES AND CREATION OF
FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES MANAGEMENT COUNCILS

ARTICLE I

RECONSTITUTION OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES
AND AQUATIC RESOURCES

SECTION 63. Creation of the Position of Undersecretary for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. — There is hereby created in the Department of Agriculture the position of Undersecretary for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, solely for the purpose of attending to the needs of the fishing industry, to be appointed by the President. Such Undersecretary shall have the following functions:

a. set policies and formulate standards for the effective, efficient and economical operations of the fishing industry in accordance with the programs of the government;

b. exercise overall supervision over all functions and activities of all offices and instrumentalities and other offices related to fisheries including its officers;

c. establish, with the assistance of the director, such regional, provincial and other fishery officers as may be necessary and appropriate and organize the internal structure of BFAR in such manner as is necessary for the efficient and effective attainment of its objectives and purposes; and

d. perform such other functions as may be necessary or proper to attain the objectives of this Code.

SECTION 64. Reconstitution of the BFAR. — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is hereby reconstituted as a line bureau under the Department of Agriculture.

SECTION 65. Functions of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. — As a line bureau, the BFAR shall have the following functions:

a. prepare and implement a Comprehensive National Fisheries Industry Development Plan;

b. issue licenses for the operation of commercial fishing vessels;

c. issue identification cards free of charge to fishworkers engaged in commercial fishing;

d. monitor and review joint fishing agreements between Filipino citizens and foreigners who conduct fishing activities in international waters, and ensure that such agreements are not contrary to Philippine commitment under international treaties and convention on fishing in the high seas;

e. formulate and implement a Comprehensive Fishery Research and Development Program, such as, but not limited to, sea farming, sea ranching, tropical/ornamental fish and seaweed culture, aimed at increasing resource productivity, improving resource use efficiency, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the country's fishery and aquatic resources;

f. establish and maintain a Comprehensive Fishery Information System;

g. provide extensive development support services in all aspects of fisheries production, processing and marketing;

h. provide advisory services and technical assistance on the improvement of quality of fish from the time it is caught (i.e. on board fishing vessel, at landing areas, fish markets, to the processing plants and to the distribution and marketing chain);

i. coordinate efforts relating to fishery production undertaken by the primary fishery producers, LGUs, FARMCs, fishery and organizations/cooperatives;

j. advise and coordinate with LGUs on the maintenance of proper sanitation and hygienic practices in fish markets and fish landing areas;

k. establish a corps of specialists in collaboration with the Department of National Defense, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Foreign Affairs for the efficient monitoring, control and surveillance of fishing activities within Philippine territorial waters and provide the necessary facilities, equipment and training therefor;

l. implement an inspection system for import and export of fishery/aquatic products and fish processing establishments, consistent with international standards to ensure product quality and safety;

m. coordinate with LGUs and other concerned agencies for the establishment of productivity enhancing and market development programs in fishing communities to enable women to engage in other fisheries/economic activities and contribute significantly to development efforts;

n. enforce all laws, formulate and enforce all rules and regulations governing the conservation and management of fishery resources, except in municipal waters, and to settle conflicts of resource use and allocation in consultation with the NFARMC, LGUs and local FARMCs;

o. develop value-added fishery-products for domestic consumption and export;

p. recommend measures for the protection/enhancement of the fishery industries;

q. assist the LGUs in developing their technical capability in the development, management, regulation, conservation, and protection of the fishery resources;

r. formulate rules and regulations for the conservation and management of straddling fish stocks and highly migratory fish stocks; and

s. perform such other related functions which shall promote the development, conservation, management, protection and utilization of fisheries and aquatic resources.

SECTION 66. Composition of BFAR. — As a line bureau, the BFAR shall be headed by a Director and assisted by two (2) Assistant Directors who shall supervise the administrative and technical services of the bureau respectively. It shall establish regional, provincial and municipal offices as may be appropriate and necessary to carry out effectively and efficiently the provisions of this Code.

SECTION 67. Fisheries Inspection and Quarantine Service. — For purposes of monitoring and regulating the importation and exportation of fish and fishery/aquatic resources, the Fisheries Inspection and Quarantine Service in the BFAR is hereby strengthened and shall have the following functions:

a. conduct fisheries quarantine and quality inspection of all fish and fishery/aquatic products coming into and going out of the country by air or water transport, to detect the presence of fish pest and diseases and if found to harbor fish pests or diseases shall be confiscated and disposed of in accordance with environmental standards and practices;

b. implement international agreements/commitments on bio-safety and bio-diversity as well as prevent the movement or trade of endemic fishery and aquatic resources to ensure that the same are not taken out of the country;

c. quarantine such aquatic animals and other fishery products determined or suspected to be with fishery pests and diseases and prevent the movement or trade from and/or into the country of these products so prohibited or regulated under existing laws, rules and regulations as well as international agreements of which the Philippines is a State Party;

d. examine all fish and fishery products coming into or going out of the country which may be a source or medium of fish pests or diseases and/or regulated by existing fishery regulations and ensure that the quality of fish import and export meet international standards; and

e. document and authorize the movement or trade of fish and fishery products when found free of fish pests or diseases and collect necessary fees prescribed by law and regulations.

ARTICLE II

THE FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES
MANAGEMENT COUNCILS (FARMCs)

SECTION 68. Development of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Municipal Waters and Bays. — Fisherfolk and their organizations residing within the geographical jurisdiction of the barangays, municipalities or cities with the concerned LGUs shall develop the fishery/aquatic resources in municipal waters and bays.

SECTION 69. Creation of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (FARMCs). — FARMCs shall be established in the national level and in all municipalities/cities abutting municipal waters as defined by this Code. The FARMCs shall be formed by fisherfolk organizations/cooperatives and NGOs in the locality and be assisted by the LGUs and other government entities. Before organizing FARMCs, the LGUs, NGOs, fisherfolk, and other concerned POs shall undergo consultation and orientation on the formation of FARMCs.

SECTION 70. Creation and Composition of the National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (NFARMC). — There is hereby created a National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council hereinafter referred to as NFARMC as an advisory/recommendatory body to the Department. The NFARMC shall be composed of fifteen (15) members consisting of:

a. the Undersecretary of Agriculture, as Chairman;

b. the Undersecretary of the Interior and Local Government;

c. five (5) members representing the fisherfolk and fishworkers;

d. five (5) members representing commercial fishing and aquaculture operators and the processing sectors;

e. two (2) members from the academe; and

f. one (1) representative of NGOs involved in fisheries.

The members of the NFARMC, except for the Undersecretary of Agriculture and the Undersecretary of the Interior and Local Government, shall be appointed by the President upon the nomination of their respective organizations.

SECTION 71. Terms of Office. — The members of NFARMC, except the Undersecretary of Agriculture and the Undersecretary of the Interior and Local Government, shall serve for a term of three (3) years without reappointment.

SECTION 72. Functions of the NFARMC. — The NFARMC shall have the following functions:

a. assist in the formulation of national policies for the protection, sustainable development and management of fishery and aquatic resources for the approval of the Secretary;

b. assist the Department in the preparation of the National Fisheries and Industry Development Plan; and

c. perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

SECTION 73. The Municipal/City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (M/CFARMCs). — The M/CFARMCs shall be created in each of the municipalities and cities abutting municipal waters. However, the LGU may create the Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (BFARMCs) and the Lakewide Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (LFARMCs) whenever necessary. Such BFARMCs and LFARMCs shall serve in an advisory capacity to the LGUs.

SECTION 74. Functions of the M/CFARMCs. — The M/CFARMCs shall exercise the following functions:

a. assist in the preparation of the Municipal Fishery Development Plan and submit such plan to the Municipal Development Council;

b. recommend the enactment of municipal fishery ordinances to the sangguniang bayan/sangguniang panlungsod through its Committee on Fisheries;

c. assist in the enforcement of fishery laws, rules and regulations in municipal waters;

d. advise the sangguniang bayan/panlungsod on fishery matters through its Committee on Fisheries, if such has been organized; and

e. perform such other functions which may be assigned by the sangguniang bayan/panlungsod.

SECTION 75. Composition of the M/CFARMC . — The regular member of the M/CFARMCs shall be composed of:

a. Municipal/City Planning Development Officer;

b. Chairperson, Agriculture/Fishery Committee of the Sangguniang Bayan/Panlungsod;

c. representative of the Municipal/City Development Council;

d. representative from the accredited non-government organization;

e. representative from the private sector;

f. representative from the Department of Agriculture; and

g. at least eleven (11) fisherfolk representatives (seven (7) municipal fisherfolk, one (1) fishworker and three (3) commercial fishers) in each municipality/city which include representative from youth and women sector.

The Council shall adopt rules and regulations necessary to govern its proceedings and election.

SECTION 76. The Integrated Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (IFARMCs). — The IFARMCs shall be created in bays, gulfs, lakes and rivers and dams bounded by two (2) or more municipalities/cities.

SECTION 77. Functions of the IFARMCs. — The IFARMC shall have the following functions:

a. assist in the preparation of the Integrated Fishery Development Plan and submit such plan to the concerned Municipal Development Councils;

b. recommend the enactment of integrated fishery ordinances to the concerned sangguniang bayan/panlungsod through its Committee on Fisheries, if such has been organized;

c. assist in the enforcement of fishery laws, rules and regulations in concerned municipal waters;

d. advice the concerned sangguniang bayan/panlungsod on fishery matters through its Committee on Fisheries, if such has been organized; and

e. perform such other functions which may be assigned by the concerned sangguniang bayan/panlungsod.

SECTION 78. Composition of the IFARMCs. — The regular members of the IFARMCs shall be composed of the following:

a. the chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture/Fisheries of the concerned sangguniang bayan/panlungsod;

b. the Municipal/City Fisheries Officers of the concerned municipalities/cities;

c. the Municipal/City Development Officers of the concerned municipalities/cities;

d. one (1) representative from NGO;

e. one (1) representative from private sector; and

f. at least nine (9) representatives from the fisherfolk sector which include representatives from the youth and women sector.

The Council shall adopt rules and regulations necessary to govern its proceedings and election.

SECTION 79. Source of Funds of the FARMCs. — A separate fund for the NFARMC, IFARMCs and M/CFARMCs shall be established and administered by the Department from the regular annual budgetary appropriations.

CHAPTER IV

FISHERY RESERVES, REFUGE AND SANCTUARIES

SECTION 80. Fishing Areas Reserves for Exclusive Use of Government. — The Department may designate area or areas in Philippine waters beyond fifteen (15) kilometers from shoreline as fishery reservation for the exclusive use of the government or any of its political subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities, for propagation, educational, research and scientific purposes: Provided, That in municipalities or cities, the concerned LGUs in consultation with the FARMCs may recommend to the Department that portion of the municipal waters be declared as fishery reserves for special or limited use, for educational, research, and/or special management purposes. The FARMCs may recommend to the Department portions of the municipal waters which can be declared as fisheries reserves for special or limited use for educational, research and special management purposes.

SECTION 81. Fish Refuge and Sanctuaries. — The Department may establish fish refuge and sanctuaries to be administered in the manner to be prescribed by the BFAR at least twenty-five percent (25%) but not more than forty percent (40%) of bays, foreshore lands, continental shelf or any fishing ground shall be set aside for the cultivation of mangroves to strengthen the habitat and the spawning grounds of fish. Within these areas no commercial fishing shall be allowed. All marine fishery reserves, fish sanctuaries and mangrove swamp reservations already declared or proclaimed by the President or legislated by the Congress of the Philippines shall be continuously administered and supervised by the concerned agency: Provided, however, That in municipal waters, the concerned LGU in consultation with the FARMCs may establish fishery refuge and sanctuaries. The FARMCs may also recommend fishery refuge and sanctuaries: Provided, further, That at least fifteen percent (15%) where applicable of the total coastal areas in each municipality shall be identified, based on the best available scientific data and in consultation with the Department, and automatically designated as fish sanctuaries by the LGUs in consultation with the concerned FARMCs.

CHAPTER V
FISHERIES RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

SECTION 82. Creation of a National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI). — In recognition of the important role of fisheries research in the development, management, conservation and protection of the country's fisheries and aquatic resources, there is hereby created a National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI).

The Institute shall form part of the National Research and Development Network of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The Institute, which shall be attached to the Department shall serve as the primary research arm of the BFAR. The overall governance of the Institute shall be vested in the Governing Board which shall formulate policy guidelines for its operation. The plans, programs and operational budget shall be passed by the Board. The Board may create such committees as it may deem necessary for the proper and effective performance of its functions. The composition of the Governing Board shall be as follows:

a. Undersecretary for Fisheries — Chairman

b. BFAR Director — Vice Chairman

c. NFRDI Executive Director — Member

d. PCAMRD Executive Director — Member

e. Representative from the academe — Member

f. four (4) representatives from the private sector who shall come from the following subsectors: — Members

* Municipal Fisherfolk

* Commercial Fishing Operator

* Aquaculture Operator

* Post-Harvest/Processor

The NFRDI shall have a separate budget specific to its manpower requirements and operations to ensure the independent and objective implementation of its research activities.

a. To raise the income of the fisherfolk and to elevate the Philippines among the top five (5) in the world ranking in the fish productions;

b. to make the country's fishing industry in the high seas competitive;

c. to conduct social research on fisherfolk families for a better understanding of their conditions and needs; and

d. to coordinate with the fisheries schools, LGUs and private sectors regarding the maximum utilization of available technology, including the transfer of such technology to the industry particularly the fisherfolk.

SECTION 85. Functions of the NFRDI . — As a national institute, the NFRDI shall have the following functions:

a. establish a national infrastructure unit complete with technologically-advanced features and modern scientific equipment, which shall facilitate, monitor, and implement various research needs and activities of the fisheries sector;

b. provide a venue for intensive training and development of human resources in the field of fisheries, a repository of all fisheries researches and scientific information;

c. provide intensive training and development of human resources in the field of fisheries for the maximum utilization of available technology;

d. hasten the realization of the economic potential of the fisheries sector by maximizing developmental research efforts in accordance with the requirements of the national fisheries conservations and development programs, also possibly through collaborative effort with international institutions; and

e. formally establish, strengthen and expand the network of fisheries-researching communities through effective communication linkages nationwide.

CHAPTER VI

PROHIBITIONS AND PENALTIES