QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 6975)
It is unlawful to take or catch whale sharks and manta rays in Philippine waters, and to sell, purchase, possess, transport, or export them whether dead or alive and in any state or form (raw or processed).
“Take or catch” includes killing, capturing, trapping, snaring, and netting of whale sharks and manta rays.
“Sell” includes barter, exchange, or offering/exposing for sale.
“Possess” means having actual or constructive possession or control of whale sharks or manta rays.
“Transport” means to carry or move or cause to be carried or moved. “Export” means to send or ship out of the country.
No. It also addresses accidental inclusion in the catch: whale sharks and manta rays accidentally included must be released unharmed immediately in the sea; otherwise liability still exists.
They must be immediately released unharmed in the sea; if not, the offender remains liable.
They must be surrendered to the nearest Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office or BFAR Regional/Provincial Fishery Office, for proper disposition.
It is unlawful to wound or kill whale sharks and manta rays in the course of catching other species of fish.
The Secretary of DA (through a duly appointed representative), upon recommendation of the BFAR Director, may issue a Special Permit to government or private institutions engaged in purely research work for scientific/research purposes.
The BFAR Director recommends; the DA Secretary or his duly appointed representative grants the Special Permit.
A fine of not less than PHP 500.00 but not more than PHP 5,000.00, or imprisonment from six (6) months to four (4) years, or both, depending on the court’s discretion.
The Director may impose an administrative fine not exceeding PHP 5,000.00, cancel the offender’s permit or license at discretion, including confiscation of whale sharks and/or manta rays for proper disposition/documentation.
No. Research collection is allowed only if a Special Permit is issued under Section 3, subject to terms and conditions imposed by the DA Secretary.
It is pursuant to Sections 65 and 107 of Republic Act No. 8550 (Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998).
It takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the Official Gazette and/or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.