Question & AnswerQ&A (BFAR FISHERIES ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 222, S. 2003)
A Danish Seine is an active fishing gear which consists of a conical net with a pair of wings, the ends of which are connected to a rope embedded with buri, plastic strips, sinkers or similar materials that serve as scaring/herding devices and is hauled through a mechanical winch or by manpower.
A Modified Danish Seine is an active fishing gear locally termed as holbot-holbot and other names, consisting of a conical net with wings connected to ropes that pass through a ring attached to a tom weight (lingote) and is hauled by a mechanical winch or manpower.
Municipal fishing refers to fishing within municipal waters using fishing vessels of three (3) gross tons or less, or fishing not requiring the use of fishing vessels.
Commercial fishing is the taking of fishery species for trade, business or profit and is classified as small-scale (vessels of 3.1 GT to 20 GT), medium-scale (vessels of 20.1 GT to 150 GT), and large-scale (vessels of more than 150 GT).
Municipal waters include streams, lakes, inland bodies of water, tidal waters not in protected areas, and marine waters extending 15 kilometers from the general coastline, including offshore islands, with specific boundary rules between municipalities.
A tom weight (lingote) is a weight made of lead, iron, stone, or concrete with rings weighing about 1 kilogram or more, lowered to or hung above the sea bottom with ropes passing through rings during hauling operations.
No, it is unlawful to operate municipal and commercial fishing boats using Danish Seine and Modified Danish Seine within municipal waters, bays, and management areas.
Modified Danish Seine may be operated beyond 15 kilometers from the shoreline provided it does not use tom weights or any destructive methods/accessories and the net's minimum mesh size is not less than three (3) centimeters.
Violators such as operators, captains, fishermen, and organizers face imprisonment from 2 to 10 years, fines from P100,000 to P500,000, or both, at the court's discretion. The catch and gear will also be confiscated.
The order took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or two newspapers and after registration with the Office of the National Administrative Registrar.