The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will ban the Danish seine fishing method, locally known as hulbot-hulbot, beginning Oct. 15.
BFAR Director Asis G. Perez said the total ban is enforced through Fisheries Administrative Order No. 246, signed by Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala on Sept. 2 and published on Oct. 1.
However, fishermen and fishing firms have a grace period of six months to change their fishing gear before law enforcers intercept and penalize violators.
We have a grace period of six months to meet with affected fishermen and introduce other fishing methods. We are also looking at introducing loan packages using our guarantee fund in banks for the procurement of new gear, Mr. Perez told reporters at the sidelines of an environmental media conference here.
He said that there are at least 400 registered large-scale fishing firms using the Danish seine method, which damages coral reefs and sea grass beds.
The new order repeals Administrative Order 222, issued in 2003, which allowed the use of modified Danish seine fishing as long as it is outside municipal waters or 15 kilometers away from the coastline.
The new issuance is based on Section 92 of Republic Act 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, which declared unlawful the use of destructive fishing gear.
The operator, boat captain, master fisherman and recruiter found violating the ban will face imprisonment from two to 10 years and a fine of P100,000-P500,000. The boat and gear will be confiscated.
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