Scope and Background
- Dynamite fishing, prohibited under Section 12 and penalized under Section 76 of Act No. 4003 (Fisheries Act), is destructive to national fish resources
- Large-scale dynamite fishing often involves boats licensed as "fish carriers"
- Existing regulations do not require these boat owners to prove legitimate sources of their fish stock
- Many licensed "fish carriers" are suspected of loading fish from illegitimate sources connected to dynamite fishing
Problem Identification
- Current issuance and renewal of "fish carrier" licenses lack rigorous source verification
- Owners who cannot prove legitimate fish sources undermine conservation efforts
- Revoking licenses from these owners would eliminate key logistical support for dynamite fishing
Creation of Screening Committee
- A Screening Committee is established, composed of one representative each from the Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Finance, and National Defense
- Secretaries of these departments must designate their representatives within ten (10) days from the date of the Executive Order
Committee's Mandate and Procedure
- Screen all operators of boats licensed as "fish carriers"
- Require presentation of evidence proving the legitimate source and monthly output of fish supply
- Submit a written report with findings and evidence to the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Authority and Final Decision
- The Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources shall decide on withdrawal or revocation of licenses based on the Committee’s report
- The Secretary's decision is final and binding
Future Regulatory Framework
- The Committee is tasked with submitting a proposed set of rules and regulations to guide future issuance of "fish carrier" licenses
- These rules will assist the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources in exercising authority under Section 4 of the Fisheries Act
Legal and Administrative Impact
- The order leverages administrative review and regulation to combat illegal fishing practices
- It ensures control over fishing logistics by controlling the licensing of transport vessels
- Strengthens enforcement of conservation laws through interdepartmental cooperation
Effective Date and Signatories
- Executed in Manila on June 14, 1954
- Signed by President Ramon Magsaysay and Executive Secretary Fred Ruiz Castro