Question & AnswerQ&A (BFAR FISHERIES ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 226)
The minimum mesh size for tuna purse seine nets is not less than 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) at the bunt or bag portion for catching tuna.
Small tuna are defined as young tuna fish weighing less than 500 grams, including yellowfin tuna, big eye tuna, and skipjack tuna.
Bycatch Ceiling refers to the ceiling of ten percent (10%) of small tunas caught during fishing operations.
The order covers two commercially exploited genera of tuna, namely, Thunnus and Katsuwonus.
It is unlawful to operate tuna purse seine nets with mesh size smaller than 3.5 inches at the bag or bunt portion and to trade small tuna caught beyond the 10% bycatch ceiling.
Violators are subject to a fine ranging from Two Thousand Pesos (P2,000.00) to Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,000.00), imprisonment from six (6) months to two (2) years, or both, including vessel captain, masterfisherman, and owner/operator penalties.
If the violation is committed by a commercial fishing vessel, the boat captain, masterfisherman, and the vessel owner/operator are also liable to the same penalties.
Yes, the Department can impose an administrative fine and/or cancel the permit or license of the offender.
A grace period of three (3) years is given, with phased compliance: 10% phase-out in the first year, 20% in the second year, and 70% in the third year, after which all nets must comply.
No, registration of new tuna purse seine catchers will not be made without compliance to the 3.5 inches legal mesh size requirement.
It modifies Fisheries Administrative Orders Nos. 155 and 155-1 for commercial tuna purse seine nets and repeals Fisheries Administrative Order No. 188, series of 1993.
It took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette and/or in two newspapers of general circulation.