Question & AnswerQ&A (BFAR JOINT DA-DILG ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 01, S. 2014)
The minimum carapace width allowed for catching blue swimming crab is 10.2 cm, although coastal municipalities may adopt a higher minimum size limit.
An Auxiliary Invoice is a document issued by the LGUs or their authorized representatives for all fish and fishery products prior to their transport from the point of origin to the point of destination in the Philippines and/or for export purposes, upon payment of an administrative fee.
The Local Transport Permit (LTP) authorizes the domestic movement of aquatic wildlife, by-products or derivatives from legal sources within the country. It differs from the auxiliary invoice and covers transport from origin to destination within the country.
For crab entangling nets (single layer only) and crab liftnets, the minimum mesh size shall be 11 cm and 3 cm stretch mesh respectively; for crab pots/traps, the minimum hole diameter shall be 5 cm.
A closed season is a period during which the taking of blue swimming crab is prohibited to prevent overfishing. The LGUs, in consultation with the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (FARMC), based on scientific data from NFRDI and BFAR Regional Offices, shall impose the closed season.
The DA Secretary may grant a special permit to private associations, academic institutions, government agencies, and other individuals for scientific, educational, or propagation purposes.
Processors must keep monthly log sheets showing daily transactions including names and addresses of fishers, buyers, or sellers; date of purchase; size of blue swimming crab; quantity in kilograms; fishing gear used; and place of origin and market destination.
Violations may result in a fine from ₱2,000 to ₱20,000, imprisonment from six months to two years, or both. Commercial fishing vessel owners and operators are also subject to penalties, and administrative fines and permit cancellations may be imposed by DA and DILG.
Violations carry imprisonment from six months and one day up to eight years, fines of ₱80,000, forfeiture of catch and fishing equipment, and revocation of license.
Fishing during closed season is prohibited. Violators face imprisonment from six months and one day to six years, a fine of ₱6,000, forfeiture of catch, and cancellation of fishing permits or licenses.
The order takes effect fifteen days after its publication in the Official Gazette and/or two newspapers of general circulation and upon registration with the Office of the National Administrative Register.
They may issue regulations on the number of registered crab fishers, limits on crab pots/traps per boat, limits on nets owned or operated, and specific closed fishing seasons for blue swimming crab by municipality based on scientific evidence and public interest.
They include forfeiture of wildlife and equipment used, suspension of permits pending trial, cancellation of permits upon conviction, and permanent disqualification from activities involving wildlife use for commercial, research, or other purposes.
Berried refers to blue swimming crabs that are egg-bearing.