THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is banning the use of fish-aggregating devices (FADs) in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean during the period of July 1 to September 30.
The bureau, under the Department of Agriculture, issued Fisheries Administrative Order 236, which restricts the operation of purse seine and ring-net vessels that use FADs, locally known as payao.
This also serves as a compatible measure to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission Conservation and Management Measure 2014-01, which aims to maintain sustainable levels of bigeye, yellowfin and skipjack tuna stocks in high seas and exclusive economic zones.
With the order in place, the use of unauthorized nets during the closure period shall be prohibited.
The BFAR shall also conduct annual inspection or reinspection and marking of purse seine and ring-net fishing gears to ensure that the authorized reduced net depth of 115 fathoms and below is complied.
Accredited observers who will gather data and recommend further improvements shall also be onboard the fishing vessels during the period.
Any fishing company or individual that will violate the order shall be subjected to a fine of P100,000 to P300,000 for small-scale commercial fishing; P400,000 to P700,000 for medium-scale commercial fishing; and P800,000 to P1 million for large-scale commercial fishing.
The order, signed by Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala and BFAR Director Asis G. Perez, shall take effect 15 days after publication, or on June 15 this year.