Law Summary
Limitations on Commercial Fishing in Manila Bay
- Establishes a limited access policy in two phases to reduce fishing pressure and promote sustainability
- Manila Bay area defined as per NAMRIA Chart No. 4255
Phase 1
- No acceptance of new CFVGL applications except:
- Applications filed before the Order's effectivity
- Those with construction or import clearance before effectivity, with application within 3 months
- Renewal applications filed before effectivity
- Applications for re-admeasured, locally licensed under-measured vessels from coastal municipalities
- BFAR to issue licenses only upon compliance and fee payment
Phase 2
- No issuance of new CFVGL post-expiration of existing licenses and those issued in Phase 1
- Only renewals accepted subject to conditions including:
- Installation and coverage of transponders under BFAR’s VMS
- Exclusive fishing in designated Manila Bay waters
- Prior BFAR consent for vessel sales with affidavit ensuring sale to compliant operators
- Installation of marine environmental protection equipment per Philippine Coast Guard regulations based on GT
- Replacement licenses for vessels sunken, destroyed, or decommissioned allowed if same or lesser capacity
- BFAR to enforce law through continuous monitoring, patrols, and provision of alternative livelihoods for displaced fishers and typhoon victims
Implementation Mechanics
- Activation of a joint mobile registration and licensing team with MARINA, NTC, BFAR, and LGUs
- Identification of affected fisher families by coordination with DILG, DBM, and LGUs
- Transparent and participatory identification of sustainable alternative livelihoods for displaced and voluntary fishers
- Funding prioritization for LGUs with effective ecological waste and anti-pollution programs
Prohibition
- Illegal to fish commercially without a CFVGL in Manila Bay
- Violations include failure to install or use transponders, non-compliance with VMS protocols, lack of required environmental protection equipment, and fishing in prohibited areas
Penalties
- Violators (vessel captain or top three officers) to be penalized under Section 86 of Republic Act No. 8550 (Fisheries Code of 1998), including:
- Fine equal to catch value or P10,000, whichever is higher
- Imprisonment for six months
- Confiscation of catch and gear
- Automatic license revocation
Repealing Clause
- All inconsistent administrative orders, rules, and regulations are repealed or amended accordingly
Effectivity
- The Order takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or two newspapers of general circulation and upon registration with the National Administrative Register