Prohibition on Taking and Commercial Activities
- All acts of taking or catching whale sharks and manta rays in Philippine waters are prohibited.
- Prohibits selling, purchasing, possessing, transporting, or exporting these species, whether dead or alive, raw or processed.
- Wounding or killing these species while catching other fish is unlawful.
- Accidental catch must be released immediately and unharmed; failure to release maintains liability.
- Dead specimens found ashore must be surrendered to the appropriate Department of Agriculture regional or provincial office for proper disposition.
Permits for Research Purposes
- The Secretary of Agriculture or authorized representative may issue Special Permits for research on whale sharks and manta rays.
- Permits granted only upon recommendation from the Director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
- Permits subject to conditions deemed appropriate by the Secretary.
Penalties and Administrative Sanctions
- Penalty for violation: Fine of P500 to P5,000, or imprisonment of six months to four years, or both.
- Director of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources empowered to impose administrative fines up to P5,000.
- Director may also cancel permits or licenses and confiscate whale shark or manta ray specimens for government disposition or documentation.
Repealing Clause
- All prior inconsistent administrative orders, rules, and regulations are repealed.
Effectivity
- The order takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette and/or two newspapers of general circulation.