QuestionsQuestions (BFAR FISHERIES ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 232 S. 2010)
The main purpose is to limit commercial fishing in Manila Bay to minimize stress on fishery and aquatic resources, ensure sustainable utilization, and enhance the bay's natural regenerative capacity.
It classifies commercial fishing into small-scale (vessels 3.1 to 20 GT), medium-scale (vessels 20.1 to 150 GT), and large-scale (vessels more than 150 GT).
CFVGL is a license issued by BFAR that authorizes commercial fishing vessels and their gears to operate legally within specified waters, such as Manila Bay under this order.
VMS is software capable of tracking and monitoring commercial fishing vessels' position, time, course, and speed. It aims to monitor compliance with fishing regulations and ensure vessels operate within designated areas.
Phase 1 allows limited issuance of new CFVGL under certain exceptions; Phase 2 prohibits issuance of new licenses except for renewals with strict compliance requirements, including installation of transponders and environmental protection equipment.
Conditions include installing transponders and participating in BFAR's VMS, exclusively fishing in designated Manila Bay waters, securing BFAR's consent before selling vessels, and having marine environmental protection equipment on board, as prescribed by the Philippine Coast Guard.
Penalties include a fine equivalent to the catch value or ₱10,000, whichever is higher, imprisonment of six months, confiscation of the catch and gears, and automatic revocation of the commercial fishing license, pursuant to Section 86 of R.A. 8550.
The team is composed of technical personnel from MARINA, NTC, BFAR and coordinates with local government units of municipalities straddling Manila Bay.
The Order mandates provision of alternative livelihood programs, including for evacuees or victims of Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, ensuring that displaced fishers can be retrained and engaged in sustainable livelihood activities.
BFAR leads implementation with cooperation from DILG, DBM, MARINA, NTC, NAMRIA, Philippine Coast Guard, and local government units along Manila Bay.