Impact and Challenges of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing
- Recognizes IUU fishing as a threat to sustainable fisheries management.
- Highlights destruction of marine habitats and depletion of fish stocks globally.
- Notes adverse effects on food security and livelihoods of coastal communities.
Need for a Coordinated Institutional Response
- Emphasizes addressing ecological, biological, and socioeconomic issues posed by IUU fishing.
- Calls for a collaborative mechanism involving various government departments and agencies.
International Obligations and Adoption of National Plan
- References the International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate IUU Fishing (IPOA-IUU) by UN-FAO.
- Necessitates the Philippines’ compliance with IPOA-IUU through a national plan of action.
Adoption of the National Plan of Action (NPOA-IUU)
- Officially adopts the NPOA-IUU specific to the Philippines.
- NPOA-IUU serves as the government’s framework against IUU fishing.
Creation of the Philippine Committee Against IUU Fishing
- Establishes a multi-agency Committee comprising representatives from various government departments and the private sector.
- Chairperson to be the Secretary of Agriculture or authorized representative.
- Private sector includes representatives from fisherfolk organizations such as the National Anti-Poverty Commission and National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council.
Mandate and Responsibilities of the Committee
- Ensure effective implementation of NPOA-IUU.
- Provide policy guidance and develop capacity-building programs.
- Submit annual implementation reports to the President.
Secretariat Support
- A Secretariat led by a Senior Technical Staff from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to assist the Committee.
- Secretariat structure supported by adequate staffing as needed.
Authority to Accept Donations and Grants
- Committee authorized to receive financial and material support from both local and foreign sources.
- Utilization of funds governed by applicable laws and government auditing rules.
Implementation and Rules
- Committee empowered to issue rules and regulations necessary to execute the Order effectively.
Funding
- Financial requirements sourced from annual appropriations of involved government departments and agencies.
Repealing Clause
- Repeals or amends any inconsistent orders, rules, or regulations to align with this Order.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any provision does not affect the validity of remaining provisions.
Effectivity
- Order effective immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a widely circulated newspaper.