Question & AnswerQ&A (BFAR FISHERIES ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 208)
The primary purpose of BFAR Fisheries Administrative Order No. 208, s. 2001 is to provide for the conservation of rare, threatened, and endangered fishery and aquatic species in the Philippines.
'Rare' species are fishery or aquatic resources with small world populations that are neither endangered nor vulnerable at present.
'Threatened' is a general term used to describe fishery or aquatic species whose population is endangered, vulnerable, or rare.
'Endangered' refers to species, subspecies, including the eggs, offspring, parts, and derivatives of plants and animals listed in the CITES Appendices.
CITES stands for the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, an international agreement to ensure that trade does not threaten species' survival.
Prohibited species include specific rare species such as Bolma girgyllus and several cowries; threatened species like Turbo marmoratus and the coconut crab; and endangered species like various whales, dolphins, giant clams, and certain sea snakes.
Violators are liable to imprisonment from twelve to twenty years, a fine of one hundred and twenty thousand pesos, or both, at the court's discretion, including forfeiture of the catch and cancellation of fishing permits if applicable.
All orders, rules, and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with this Order are repealed or modified accordingly.
This Order took effect fifteen days after its publication in the Official Gazette and/or in two newspapers of general circulation, and fifteen days after its registration with the Office of the National Administrative Register.
The Order was adopted by Leonardo Q. Montemayor, Secretary; and recommended by Malcolm I. Sarmiento, Jr., Director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; and Cesar M. Drilon, Jr., Undersecretary for Fisheries and Chairman of NFARMC.