Mesh Size Regulation for Tuna Purse Seine Nets

Bycatch Ceiling: A maximum allowable percentage of 10% small tuna bycatch during fishing operations.
Small Tuna: Tuna weighing less than 500 grams, including yellowfin, big eye, and skipjack tuna.
Mesh Size for Tuna Purse Seine Nets: Minimum mesh size set at 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) at the bunt or bag portion.
Tuna: Migratory pelagic fishes under the genera Thunnus and Katsuwonus, characterized by a streamlined and spindle-shaped body.
Tuna Purse Seine: Specific fishing gear using rectangular nets with floats and purse rings, designed to encircle tuna schools.
Trading: Buying and selling small tuna at landing or market sites exceeding the bycatch ceiling volume.

Operation of tuna purse seine nets with mesh sizes smaller than 3.5 inches at the bunt or bag portion is unlawful.
Trading small tuna in quantities exceeding the 10% bycatch ceiling is prohibited.

Violations attract fines ranging from PHP 2,000 to PHP 20,000 or imprisonment from six months to two years, or both.
Additional penalties apply to boat captains, master fishermen, and vessel owners/operators in commercial fishing vessels.
The Department of Agriculture is empowered to impose administrative fines and/or cancel permits or licenses in case of violations.

A grace period of three years from effectivity is provided for gradual mesh size compliance.
Compliance phased as follows: 10% of purse seine catchers must comply by the first year, 20% by the second year, and 70% by the third year.
After the grace period, all nets must conform to the minimum 3.5 inch mesh size.
Registration of new tuna purse seine vessels requires compliance with the mesh size regulation.

Fisheries Administrative Order Nos. 155 and 155-1 are modified in relation to tuna purse seine nets.
Fisheries Administrative Order No. 188, series of 1993, is repealed.

The order takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or two newspapers of general circulation.