Law Summary
Local Government Support and Coverage
- Thirty-five of thirty-seven municipalities along the Cagayan River and its tributaries have passed resolutions supporting the amendment.
- Additional municipalities in Ilocos Sur and Abra regions have shown support through the Save the Abra River Committee.
- The closed season encompasses the Cagayan River including its tributaries and watersheds in Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela, Quirino, and Cagayan provinces, as well as the Abra River system spanning Ilocos Sur and the Cordillera Region.
Key Definitions
- Closed Season: A designated period during which the capture of specified fishery species is prohibited.
- Ludong: Refers to species of mullet scientifically classified as Cestraeus oxyrhynchus, Cestraeus goldie, and Cestraeus plicatilis.
- Spawning Ludong: Sexually mature Ludong in the breeding phase, migrating seaward with ripe eggs or milt.
Closed Season Duration and Prohibition
- Closed season is set annually from October to November 15.
- During this period, all activities involving taking Ludong of any size or by any method in the covered areas are strictly prohibited.
Prohibited Acts and Special Permit Exception
- It is unlawful to catch, purchase, sell, transport, export, or possess Ludong (including byproducts) during the closed season.
- The Secretary of Agriculture may grant special permits for scientific, educational, or propagation purposes.
- Misuse of Ludong obtained under special permit results in permit cancellation and legal charges.
Penalties for Violations
- General violations: Imprisonment from 6 months and 1 day up to 6 years, fine of PHP 6,000, forfeiture of catch and equipment, and cancellation of permit or license.
- Catching spawning Ludong during closed season: Imprisonment from 6 months and 1 day up to 8 years, fine of PHP 80,000, forfeiture of catch and fishing gear, and revocation of license.
- Exporting spawning Ludong: Imprisonment of 8 years, confiscation or fine double the value, and revocation of fishing license and export permit.
Repealing and Separability Clauses
- Fisheries Administrative Order No. 31 (1952) is repealed and inconsistent regulations are modified accordingly.
- Declared invalid or unconstitutional provisions do not affect the validity of the remaining parts.
Effectivity and Administrative Compliance
- The circular takes effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation and upon registration with the National Administrative Register.
Certification of Local Concurrence
- Confirmed that the closed season has the concurrence of the majority of legislative councils from the concerned municipalities across Cagayan Valley, Ilocos Sur, and Abra.