Question & AnswerQ&A (BFAR FISHERIES ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 236 S. 2010)
The main purpose is to establish rules and regulations on the operations of purse seine and ring net vessels using Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) during the FAD closure period to reduce fishing mortality on bigeye tuna and ensure compliance with WCPFC Conservation and Management Measures.
It applies to all duly registered and licensed Philippine flagged commercial purse seine and ring net catcher vessels that conduct FAD fishing in the Philippine EEZ during the period July 1 to September 30 of 2010 and 2011.
FAD stands for Fish Aggregating Devices, locally known as payaos, which are devices used to aggregate fish in certain areas for ease of catching.
The maximum stretched net depths of purse seine and ring net vessels must be reduced by ten (10) fathoms from the original 125 fathoms depth stretched (FDS), resulting in a maximum net depth of 115 FDS during the FAD closure period.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) must verify the net depth before accrediting and authorizing vessels to fish on FADs during the specified period.
Monitors are required on board to gather data and recommend improvements to measures during the FAD closure period.
Non-compliance may result in suspension of fishing operations during the closure period or cancellation/revocation of the Commercial Fishing Vessel/Gear License (CFVGL).
It aligns with the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Conservation and Management Measure 2008-01 and the Convention on the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.
A purse seine is a surrounding net used for catching pelagic fishes characterized by a bag or bunt located on one end of the net hauled by a puretic power block.
CFVGL stands for Commercial Fishing Vessel/Gear License.
It took effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the Official Gazette and/or in two newspapers of general circulation and upon registration with the National Administrative Register.
The Order covers the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
A catcher vessel is a fishing vessel which carries the fishing net on board and does the actual fish catching.
To reduce or avoid by-catch of bigeye tuna, which inhabit deeper portions of the water column, thereby contributing to conservation efforts.
The Order was adopted by Atty. Bernie G. Fondevilla, Secretary of BFAR, and was recommended by Malcolm I. Sarmiento, Jr., Director of BFAR.