blue laws concerning coastal laws

7/25/2019 BLUE LAWS Concerning Coastal Laws

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MALACAANGM a n i l a

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1067 December 31, 1976

A DECREE INSTITUTING A WATER CDE, T!ERE"# RE$ISING AND CNSLIDATING T!E LAWSG$ERNING T!E WNERS!IP, APPRPRIATIN, UTILI%ATIN, E&PLITATIN, DE$ELPMENT,

CNSER$ATIN AND PRTECTIN ' WATER RESURCES

WHEREAS, Article XIV, Section 8 of the New Constitution of the Philippines proi!es, inter alia, that all waters of thePhilippines "elon# to the State$

WHEREAS, e%istin# water le#islations are piece&'eal an! ina!e(uate to cope with increasin# scarcit) of water an!chan#in# patterns of water use$

WHEREAS, there is a nee! for a Water Co!e "ase! on rational concepts or inte#rate! an! 'ultipurpose'ana#e'ent of water resources an! sufficientl) fle%i"le to a!e(uatel) 'eet future !eelop'ents$

WHEREAS, water is ital to national !eelop'ent an! it has "eco'e increasin#l) necessar) for #oern'ent tointerene actiel) in i'proin# the 'ana#e'ent of water resources$

N*W, +HERE*RE, I, ER-INAN- E. MARC*S, Presi!ent of the Philippines, ") irtue of the powers in 'eeste! ") the Constitution, !o here") or!er an! !ecree the enact'ent of the water Co!e of the Philippines of /012,as follows3

C!APTER IDECLARATIN ' "(ECTI$ES AND PRINCIPLES

Ar)*c+e 1.+his Co!e shall "e 4nown as +he Water Co!e of the Philippines.

Ar)*c+e .+he o"5ecties of this Co!e are3

6a7 +o esta"lish the "asic principles an! fra'ewor4 relatin# to the appropriation, control an! conseration ofwater resources to achiee the opti'u' !eelop'ent an! rational utiliation of these resources$

6"7 +o !efine the e%tent of the ri#hts an! o"li#ations of water users an! owners inclu!in# the protection an!re#ulation of such ri#hts$

6c7 +o a!opt a "asic law #oernin# the ownership, appropriation, utiliation, e%ploitation, !eelop'ent,conseration an! protection of water resources an! ri#hts to lan! relate! thereto$ an!

6!7 +o i!entif) the a!'inistratie a#encies which will enforce this Co!e.

Ar)*c+e 3.+he un!erl)in# principles of this co!e are3

6a7 All waters "elon# to the State.

6"7 All waters that "elon# to the State can not "e the su"5ect to ac(uisitie prescription.

6c7 +he State 'a) allow the use or !eelop'ent of waters ") a!'inistratie concession.

6!7 +he utiliation, e%ploitation, !eelop'ent, conseration an! protection of water resources shall "esu"5ect to the control an! re#ulation of the #oern'ent throu#h the National Water Resources Council,hereinafter referre! to as the Council.


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6e7 Preference in the use an! !eelop'ent of waters shall consi!er current usa#es an! "e responsie to thechan#in# nee!s of the countr).

Ar)*c+e -.Waters, as use! in this Co!e, refers to water un!er the #roun!s, water a"oe the #roun!, water in theat'osphere an! the waters of the sea within the territorial 5uris!iction of the Philippines.

C!APTER IIWNERS!IP ' WATERS

Ar)*c+e .+he followin# "elon# to the State3

6a7 Riers an! their natural "e!s$

6"7 Continuous or inter'ittent waters of sprin#s an! "roo4s runnin# in their natural "e!s an! the "e!sthe'seles$

6c7 Natural la4es an! la#oons$

6!7 All other cate#ories of surface waters such as water flowin# oer lan!s, water fro' rainfall whethernatural, or artificial, an! water fro' a#riculture runoff, seepa#e an! !raina#e$

6e7 At'ospheric water$

6f7 Su"terranean or #roun! waters$ an!,

6#7 Seawater.

Ar)*c+e 6.+he followin# waters foun! on priate lan!s "elon# to the State3

6a7 Continuous or inter'ittent waters risin# on such lan!s$

6"7 9a4es an! la#oons naturall) occurin# on such lan!s$

6c7 Rain water fallin# on such lan!s$

6!7 Su"terranean or #roun! waters$ an!,

6e7 Water in swa'ps an! 'arshes.

+he owner of the lan! where the water is foun! 'a) use the sa'e for !o'estic purposes without securin# a per'it,proi!e! that such use shall "e re#istere!, when re(uire! ") the Council. +he Council, howeer, 'a) re#ulate suchwhen there is wasta#e, or in ti'es of e'er#enc).

Ar)*c+e 7.Su"5ect to the proisions of this Co!e, an) person who captures or collects water ") 'eans of cisterns,

tan4s, or pools shall hae e%clusie control oer such water an! the ri#ht to !ispose of the sa'e.

Ar)*c+e /.Water le#all) appropriate! shall "e su"5ect to the control of the appropriator fro' the 'o'ent it reachesthe appropriator:s canal or a(ue!uct lea!in# to the place where the water will "e use! or store! an!, thereafter, solon# as it is "ein# "eneficiall) use! for the purposes for which it was appropriate!.

C!APTER IIIAPPRPRIATIN ' WATERS

Ar)*c+e 9.Waters 'a) "e appropriate! an! use! in accor!ance with the proisions of this Co!e.


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Appropriation of water, as use! in this Co!e, is the ac(uisition of ri#hts oer the use of waters or the ta4in# or!iertin# of waters fro' a natural source in the 'anner an! for an) purpose allowe! ") law.

Ar)*c+e 10.Water 'a) "e appropriate! for the followin# purposes3

6a7 -o'estic

6"7 Municipal

6c7 Irri#ation

6!7 Power #eneration

6e7 isheries

6f7 9iestoc4 raisin#

6#7 In!ustrial

6h7 Recreational, an!

6i7 *ther purposes

;se of water for !o'estic purposes is the utiliation of water for !rin4in#, washin#, "athin#, coo4in# or otherhousehol! nee!s, ho'e #ar!ens, an! waterin# of lawns or !o'estic ani'als.

;se of water for 'unicipal purposes is the utiliation of water for suppl)in# the water re(uire'ents of theco''unit).

;se of water for irri#ation is the utiliation of water for pro!ucin# a#ricultural crops.

;se of water for power #eneration is the utiliation of water for pro!ucin# electrical or 'echanical power.

;se of water for fisheries is the utiliation of water for the propa#ation an! culture of fish as a co''ercial enterprise

;se of water for liestoc4 raisin# is the utiliation of water for lar#e her!s or floc4s of ani'als raise! as aco''ercial enterprise.

;se of water for in!ustrial purposes is the utiliation of water in factories, in!ustrial plants an! 'ines, inclu!in# theuse of water as an in#re!ient of a finishe! pro!uct.

;se of water for recreational purposes is the utiliation of water for swi''in# pools, "ath houses, "oatin#, waters4iin#, #olf courses an! other si'ilar facilities in resorts an! other places of recreation.

Ar)*c+e 11.+he State, for reasons of pu"lic polic), 'a) !eclare waters not preiousl) appropriate!, in whole or inpart, e%e'pt fro' appropriation for an) or all purposes an!, thereupon, such waters 'a) not "e appropriate! forthose purposes.

Ar)*c+e 1.Waters appropriate! for a particular purpose 'a) "e applie! for another purpose onl) upon priorapproal of the Council an! on con!ition that the new use !oes not un!ul) pre5u!ice the ri#hts of other per'ittees,or re(uire an increase in the olu'e of water.

Ar)*c+e 13.E%cept as otherwise herein proi!e!, no person, inclu!in# #oern'ent instru'entalities or #oern'ent&owne! or controlle! corporations, shall appropriate water without a water ri#ht, which shall "e ei!ence! ") a!ocu'ent 4nown as a water per'it.


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Water ri#ht is the priile#e #rante! ") the #oern'ent to appropriate an! use water.

Ar)*c+e 1-.Su"5ect to the proisions of this Co!e concernin# the control, protection, conseration, an! re#ulation ofthe appropriation an! use of waters, an) person 'a) appropriate or use natural "o!ies of water without securin# awater per'it for an) of the followin#3

6a7 Appropriation of water ") 'eans of han!carrie! receptacles$ an!

6"7


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Ar)*c+e 3.Priorities 'a) "e altere! on #roun!s of #reater "eneficial use, 'ulti&purpose use, an! other si'ilar#roun!s after !ue notice an! hearin#, su"5ect to pa)'ent of co'pensation is proper cases.

Ar)*c+e -.A water ri#ht shall "e e%ercise! in such a 'anner that the ri#hts of thir! persons or of other appropriatorsare not pre5u!ice! there").

Ar)*c+e .A hol!er of water per'it 'a) !e'an! the esta"lish'ent of ease'ents necessar) for the constructionan! 'aintenance of the wor4s an! facilities nee!e! for the "eneficial use of the waters to "e appropriate! su"5ect tothe re(uire'ents of 5ust co'pensation an! to the followin# con!itions3

6a7 +hat he is the owner, lessee, 'ort#a#ee or one hain# real ri#ht oer the lan! upon which he proposesto use water$ an!

6"7 +hat the propose! ease'ent is the 'ost conenient an! the least onerous to the serient estate.

Ease'ents relatin# to the appropriation an! use of waters 'a) "e 'o!ifie! ") a#ree'ent of the contractin# partiesproi!e! the sa'e is not contrar) to law or pre5u!icial to thir! persons.

Ar)*c+e 6.Where water shorta#e is recurrent, the use of the water pursuant to a per'it 'a), in the interest ofe(uita"le !istri"ution of the "enefits a'on# le#al appropriators, re!uce after !ue notice an! hearin#.

Ar)*c+e 7.Water users shall "ear the !i'inution of an) water suppl) !ue to natural causes or force 'a5eure.

Ar)*c+e /.Water per'its shall continue to "e ali! as lon# as water is "eneficiall) use!$ howeer, it 'a)"esuspen!e! on the #roun!s of non&co'pliance with approe! plans an! specifications or sche!ules of water!istri"ution$ use of water for a purpose other than that for which it was #rante!$ non&pa)'ent of water char#es$wasta#e$ failure to 4eep recor!s of water !iersion, when re(uire!$ an! iolation of an) ter' or con!ition of an)per'it or rules an! re#ulations pro'ul#ate! ") the Council.

+e'porar) per'its 'a) "e issue! for the appropriation an! use of water for short perio!s un!er specialcircu'stances.

Ar)*c+e 9.Water per'its 'a) "e reo4e! after !ue notice an! hearin# on #roun!s of non&use$ #ross iolation of the

con!itions i'pose! in the per'it$ unauthorie! sale of water$ willful failure or refusal to co'pl) with rules an!re#ulations of an) lawful or!er$ pollution, pu"lic nuisance or acts !etri'ental to pu"lic health an! safet)$ when theappropriator is foun! to "e !is(ualifie! un!er the law to e%ploit an! !eelop natural resources of the Philippines$when, in the case, of irri#ation, the lan! is conerte! to non&a#ricultural purposes$ an! other si'ilar #roun!s.

Ar)*c+e 30.All water per'its are su"5ect to 'o!ification or cancellation ") the council, after !ue notice an! hearin#,in faor of a pro5ect of #reater "eneficial use or for 'ulti&purpose !eelop'ent, an! a water per'ittee who suffersthere") shall "e !ul) co'pensate! ") the entit) or person in whose faor the cancellation was 'a!e.

C!APTER I$UTILI%ATIN ' WATERS

Ar)*c+e 31.Preference in the !eelop'ent of water resources shall consi!er securit) of the State, 'ultiple use,"eneficial effects, a!erse effects an! costs of !eelop'ent.

Ar)*c+e 3.+he utiliation of su"terranean or #roun! water shall "e coor!inate! with that of surface waters such asriers, strea's, sprin#s an! la4es, so that a superior ri#ht in one not a!ersel) affecte! ") an inferior ri#ht in theother.

or this purpose the Council shall pro'ul#ate rules an! re#ulations an! !eclare the e%istence of control areas forthe coor!inate! !eelop'ent, protection, an! utiliation of su"terranean or #roun! water an! surface waters.


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Control area is an area of lan! where su"terranean or #roun! water an! surface water are so interrelate! thatwith!rawal an! use in one si'ilarl) affects the other. +he "oun!ar) of a control area 'a) "e altere! fro' ti'e toti'e, as circu'stances warrant.

Ar)*c+e 33.Water containe! in open canals, a(ue!ucts or reseroirs of priate persons 'a) "e use! ") an) personfor !o'estic purpose or for waterin# plants as lon# as the water is with!rawn ") 'anual 'etho!s without chec4in#the strea' or !a'a#in# the canal, a(ue!uct or reseroir$ Proi!e!, +hat this ri#ht 'a) "e restricte! ") the ownershoul! it result in loss or in5ur) to hi'.

Ar)*c+e 3-.A water per'ittee or appropriator 'a) use an) watercourse to cone) water to another point in thewatercourse for the purpose state! in a per'it an! such water 'a) "e !ierte! or recapture! at that point ") sai!per'ittee in the sa'e a'ount less allowance for nor'al losses in transit.

Ar)*c+e 3.Wor4s for the stora#e, !iersion, !istri"ution an! utiliation of water resources shall contain a!e(uateproision for the preention an! control of !iseases that 'a) "e in!uce! or sprea! ") such wor4s when re(uire! ")the Council.

Ar)*c+e 36.When the reuse of waste water is feasi"le, it shall "e li'ite! as 'uch as possi"le, to such uses otherthan !irect hu'an consu'ption. No person or a#enc) shall !istri"ute such water for pu"lic consu'ption until it is!e'onstrate! that such consu'ption will not a!ersel) affect the health an! safet) of the pu"lic.

Ar)*c+e 37.In the construction an! operation of h)!raulic wor4s, !ue consi!eration shall "e #ien to the preserationof scenic places an! historical relics an!, in a!!ition to the proisions of e%istin# laws, no wor4s that woul! re(uire!the !estruction or re'oal of such places or relics shall "e un!erta4en without showin# that the !istri"ution orre'oal is necessar) an! unaio!a"le.

Ar)*c+e 3/.Authorit) for the construction of !a's, "ri!#es an! other structures across of which 'a) interfere withthe flow of nai#a"le or flota"le waterwa)s shall first "e secure! fro' the -epart'ent of Pu"lic Wor4s,+ransportation an! Co''unications.

Ar)*c+e 39.E%cept in cases of e'er#enc) to sae life or propert), the construction or repair of the followin# wor4sshall "e un!erta4en onl) after the plans an! specifications therefor, as 'a) "e re(uire! ") the Council, areapproe! ") the proper #oern'ent a#enc)$ !a's for the !iersion or stora#e of water$ structures for the use of

water power, installations for the utiliation of su"terranean or #roun! water an! other structures for utiliation ofwater resources.

Ar)*c+e -0.No e%caation for the purpose of e'ission of a hot sprin# or for the enlar#e'ent of the e%istin# openin#thereof shall "e 'a!e without prior per'it.

An) person or a#enc) who inten!s to !eelop a hot sprin# for hu'an consu'ption 'ust first o"tain a per'it fro'the -epart'ent of Health.

Ar)*c+e -1.No person shall !eelop a strea', la4e, or sprin# for recreational purposes without first securin# a per'itfro' the Council.

Ar)*c+e -.;nless&otherwise or!ere! ") the Presi!ent of the Philippines an! onl) in ti'e of national cala'it) ore'er#enc), no person shall in!uce or restrain rainfall ") an) 'etho! such as clou! see!in# without a per'it fro'the proper #oern'ent e'er#enc).

Ar)*c+e -3.No person shall raise or lower the water leel of a rier strea', la4e, la#oon, or 'arsh nor !rain thesa'e without a per'it.

Ar)*c+e --.-raina#e s)ste's shall "e so constructe! that their outlets are riers, la4es, the sea, natural "o!ies ofwater, or such other water course as 'a) "e approe! ") the proper #oern'ent a#enc).

Ar)*c+e -.When a !raina#e channel is constructe! ") a nu'"er of persons for their co''on "enefit, the cost ofconstruction an! 'aintenance of the channel shall "e "orne ") each in proportion to the "enefits !rie!.


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Ar)*c+e -6.When artificial 'eans are e'plo)e! to !rain water fro' hi#her to lower lan!, the owner of the hi#herlan! shall select the routes an! 'etho!s of !raina#e that will cause the 'ini'u' !a'a#e to the lower lan!s,su"5ect to the re(uire'ents of 5ust co'pensation.

Ar)*c+e -7.When the use, cone)ance or stora#e of waters results in !a'a#e to another, the person responsi"le forthe !a'a#e shall pa) co'pensation.

Ar)*c+e -/.When a water resources pro5ect interferes with the access of lan!owner to a portion of his propert) orwith the cone)ance of irri#ation or !raina#e water, the person or a#enc) constructin# the pro5ect shall "ear the cost

of construction an! 'aintenance of the "ri!#es, flu'es an! other structures necessar) for 'aintainin# access,irri#ation, or !raina#e, in a!!ition to pa)in# co'pensation for lan! an! inci!ental !a'a#es.

Ar)*c+e -9.An) person hain# an ease'ent for an a(ue!uct 'a) enter upon the serient lan! for the purpose ofcleanin#, repairin# or replacin# the a(ue!uct or the re'oal of o"structions therefro'.

Ar)*c+e 0.9ower estates are o"li#e! to receie the waters which naturall) an! without the interention of 'an flowfro' the hi#her estate, as well as the stone or earth which the) carr) with the'.

+he owner of the lower estate can not construct wor4s which will i'pe!e this natural flow, unless he proi!es analternatie 'etho! of !raina#e$ neither can the owner of the hi#her estate 'a4e wor4s which will increase thisnatural flow.

Ar)*c+e 1.+he "an4s of riers an! strea's an! the shores of the seas an! la4es throu#hout their entire len#th an!within a one of three 6=7 'eters in ur"an areas, twent) 6>?7 'eters in a#ricultural areas an! fort) 6@?7 'eters inforest areas, alon# their 'ar#ins are su"5ect to the ease'ent of pu"lic use in the interest of recreation, nai#ation,floata#e, fishin# an! sala#e. No person shall "e allowe! to sta) in this one lon#er than what is necessar) forrecreation, nai#ation, floata#e, fishin# or sala#e or to "uil! structures of an) 4in!.

Ar)*c+e .+he esta"lish'ent, e%tent, for', an! con!itions of ease'ents of water not e%pressl) !eter'ine! ") theproisions of this Co!e shall "e #oerne! ") the proisions of the Ciil Co!e.

C!APTER $CNTRL ' WATERS

Ar)*c+e 3.+o pro'ote the "est interest an! the coor!inate! protection of floo! plain lan!s, the Secretar) of Pu"licWor4s, +ransportation an! Co''unications 'a) !eclare floo! control areas an! pro'ul#ate #ui!elines for#oernin# floo! plain 'ana#e'ent plans in these areas.

Ar)*c+e -.In !eclare! floo! control areas, rules an! re#ulations 'a) "e pro'ul#ate! to prohi"it or control actiitiesthat 'a) !a'a#e or cause !eterioration or la4es an! !i4es, o"struct the flow of water, chan#e the natural flow of therier, increase floo! losses or a##raate floo! pro"le's.

Ar)*c+e .+he #oern'ent 'a) construct necessar) floo! control structures in !eclare! floo! control areas, an! forthis purpose it shall hae a le#al ease'ent as wi!e as 'a) "e nee!e! alon# an! a!5acent to the rier "an4 an!outsi!e of the "e! or channel of the rier.

Ar)*c+e 6.Rier "e!s, san! "ars an! ti!al flats 'a) not "e cultiate! e%cept upon prior per'ission fro' theSecretar) of the -epart'ent of Pu"lic Wor4s, +ransportation an! Co''unication an! such per'ission shall not "e#rante! where such cultiation o"structs the flow of water or increase floo! leels so as to cause !a'a#e to otherareas.

Ar)*c+e 7.An) person 'a) erect leees or reet'ents to protect his propert) fro' floo!, encroach'ent ") the rieror chan#e in the course of the rier, proi!e! that such constructions !oes not cause !a'a#e to the propert) ofanother.

Ar)*c+e /.When a rier or strea' su!!enl) chan#es its course to traerse priate lan!s, the owners of the affecte!lan!s 'a) not co'pel the #oern'ent to restore the rier to its for'er "e!$ nor can the) restrain the #oern'ent


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fro' ta4in# steps to reert the rier or strea' to its for'er course. +he owners of the lan! thus affecte! are notentitle! to co'pensation for an) !a'a#e sustaine! there"). Howeer, the for'er owners of the new "e! shall "ethe owners of the a"an!one! "e! in proportion to the area lost ") each.

+he owners of the affecte! lan!s 'a) un!erta4e to return the rier or strea' to its ol! "e! at their own e%pense$Proi!e!, +hat a per'it therefor is secure! fro' the Secretar) of Pu"lic Wor4s, +ransportation an! Co''unicationan! wor4 pertainin# thereto are co''ence! within two )ears fro' the chan#e in the course of the rier or strea'.

Ar)*c+e 9.Riers, la4es an! la#oons 'a), upon the reco''en!ation of the Philippines Coast uar!, "e !eclare!

nai#a"le either in whole or in part.

Ar)*c+e 60.+he raftin# of lo#s an! other o"5ects on riers an! la4es which are flota"le 'a) "e controlle! orprohi"ite! !urin# !esi#nate! season of the )ear with !ue re#ar! to the nee!s of irri#ation an! !o'estic watersuppl) an! other uses of water.

Ar)*c+e 61.+he i'poun!in# of water in pon!s or reseroirs 'a) "e prohi"ite! ") the Council upon consultation withthe -epart'ent of Health if it is !an#erous to pu"lic health, or it 'a) or!er that such pon! or reseroir "e !raine! ifsuch is necessar) for the protection of pu"lic health.

Ar)*c+e 6.Waters of a strea' 'a) "e store! in a reseroir ") a per'ittee in such a'ount as will not pre5u!ice theri#ht of an) per'ittee !ownstrea'. Whoeer operates the reseroir shall, when re(uire!, release water for 'ini'u'

strea' flow.

All reseroir operations shall "e su"5ect to rules an! re#ulations issue! ") the Council or an) proper #oern'enta#enc).

Ar)*c+e 63.+he operator of a !a' for the stora#e of water 'a) "e re(uire! to e'plo) an en#ineer possessin#(ualifications prescri"e! for the proper operations, 'aintenance an! a!'inistration of the !a'.

Ar)*c+e 6-.+he Council shall approe the 'anner, location, !epth, an! spacin# in which "orin#s for su"terranean or#roun! water 'a) "e 'a!e, !eter'ine the re(uire'ents for the re#istration of eer) "orin# or alteration to e%istin#"orin#s as well as other control 'easures for the e%ploitation of su"terranean or #roun! water resources, an! incoor!ination with the Professional Re#ulation Co''ission prescri"e the (ualifications of those who woul! !rill such

"orin#s.

No person shall !rill a well without prior per'ission fro' the Council.

Ar)*c+e 6.Water fro' one rier "asin 'a) "e transferre! to another rier "asin onl) with approal of the Council. Inconsi!erin# an) re(uest for such transfer, the Council shall ta4e into account the full costs of the transfer, the"enefits that woul! accrue to the "asin of ori#in without the transfer, the "enefits woul! accrue to the receiin# "asinon account of the transfer, alternatie sche'es for suppl)in# water to the receiin# "asin, an! other releant factors.

C!APTER $ICNSER$ATIN AND PRTECTIN ' WATERS AND WATERS!EDS AND RELATED LAND RESURCES

Ar)*c+e 66.After !ue notice an! hearin# when warrante! ") circu'stances, 'ini'u' strea' flows for riers an!strea's, an! 'ini'u' water leels for la4es 'a) "e esta"lishe! ") the Council un!er such con!itions as 'a) "enecessar) for the protection of the eniron'ent, control of pollution, nai#ation, preention of salt !a'a#e, an!#eneral pu"lic use.

Ar)*c+e 67.An) watershe! or an) area of lan! a!5acent to an) surface water or oerl)in# an) #roun! water 'a)!eclare! ") the -epart'ent of Natural Resources as protecte! area Rules an! re#ulations 'a) "e pro'ul#ate! ")such -epart'ent to prohi"it or control such actiities ") the owners or occupants thereof within the protecte! areawhich 'a) !a'a#e or cause the !eterioration of the surface water or #roun! water or interfere with theinesti#ation, use, control, protection, 'ana#e'ent or a!'inistration of such waters.


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Ar)*c+e 6/.It shall "e the !ut) of an) person in control of a well to preent the water fro' flowin# on the surface ofthe lan!, or into an) surface water, or an) porous stratu' un!er neath the surface without "ein# "eneficiall) use!.

Ar)*c+e 69.It shall "e the !ut) of an) person in control of a well containin# water with 'inerals or other su"stancesin5urious to 'an, ani'als, a#riculture, an! e#etation to preent such waters fro' flowin# on the surface of the lan!or into an) surface water or into an) other a(uifer or porous stratu'.

Ar)*c+e 70.No person shall utilie an e%istin# well or pon! or sprea! waters for rechar#in# su"sterranean or #roun!water supplies without prior per'ission of the Council.

Ar)*c+e 71.+o pro'ote "etter water conseration an! usa#e for irri#ation purposes, the 'er#er of irri#ationassociations an! the appropriation of waters ") associations instea! of ") in!ii!uals shall "e encoura#e!.

No water per'it shall "e #rante! to an in!ii!ual when his water re(uire'ent can "e supplie! throu#h an irri#ationassociation.

Ar)*c+e 7.In the consi!eration of a propose! water resource pro5ect, !ue re#ar! shall "e #ien to ecolo#icalchan#es resultin# fro' the construction of the pro5ect in or!er to "alance the nee!s of !eelop'ent an! theprotection of the eniron'ent.

Ar)*c+e 73.+he conseration of fish an! wil!life shall receie proper consi!eration an! shall "e coor!inate! with

other features of water resources !eelop'ent pro#ra's to insure that fish an! wil!life alues receie e(ualattention with other pro5ect purposes.

Ar)*c+e 7-.Swa'ps an! 'arshes which are owne! ") the State an! which pri'ar) alue for waterfowl propa#ationor other wil!life purposes 'a) "e resere! an! protecte! fro' !raina#e operation an! !eelop'ent.

Ar)*c+e 7.No person shall, without prior per'ission fro' the National Pollution Control Co''ission, "uil! an)wor4s that 'a) pro!uce !an#erous or no%ious su"stances or perfor' an) act which 'a) result in the intro!uction ofsewa#e, in!ustrial waste, or an) pollutant into an) source of water suppl).

Water pollution is the i'pair'ent of the (ualit) of water "e)on! a certain stan!ar!. +his stan!ar! 'a) ar)accor!in# to the use of the water an! shall "e set ") the National Pollution Control Co''ission.

Ar)*c+e 76.+he esta"lish'ent of ce'eteries an! waste !isposal areas that 'a) affect the source of a water suppl)or a reseroir for !o'estic or 'unicipal use shall "e su"5ect to the rules an! re#ulations pro'ul#ate! ") the-epart'ent of Health.

Ar)*c+e 77.+ailin#s fro' 'inin# operations an! se!i'ents fro' placer 'inin# shall not "e !u'pe! into riers an!waterwa)s without prior per'ission fro' the Council upon reco''en!ation ") the National Pollution ControlCo''ission.

Ar)*c+e 7/.+he application of a#ricultural fertiliers an! pestici!es 'a) "e prohi"ite! or re#ulate! ") the NationalPollution Control Co''ission in the areas where such application 'a) cause pollution of a source of water suppl).

C!APTER $IIADMINISTRATIN ' WATERS AND EN'RCEMENT ' T!E PR$ISINS ' T!IS CDE

Ar)*c+e 79.+he A!'inistration an! enforce'ent of the proisions of this Co!e, inclu!in# the #rantin# of per'its an!the i'position of penalties for a!'inistratie iolations hereof, are here") este! in the Council, an! e%cept inre#ar! to those functions which un!er this Co!e are specificall) conferre! upon other a#encies of the #oern'ent,the Council is here") e'powere! to 'a4e all !ecisions an! !eter'inations proi!e! for in this Co!e.

Ar)*c+e /0.+he Council 'a) !eputie an) official or a#enc) of the #oern'ent to perfor' an) of its specificfunctions or actiities.


10/58

Ar)*c+e /1.+he Council shall proi!e a continuin# pro#ra' for !ata collection, research an! 'anpower !eelop'entnee!e! for the appropriation, utiliation, e%ploitation, conseration, an! protection of the water resources of thecountr).

Ar)*c+e /.In the i'ple'entation of the proisions of this co!e, the Council shall pro'ul#ate the necessar) rulesan! re#ulations which 'a) proi!e for penalties consistin# of a fine not e%cee!in# *ne +housan! Pesos6P/,???.??7 an!Bor suspension or reocation of the water per'it or other ri#ht to the use of water. Violations of suchrules an! re#ulations 'a) "e a!'inistratiel) !ealt with ") the Council.

Such rules an! re#ulations prescri"e! ") an) #oern'ent a#enc) that pertain to the utiliation, e%ploitation,!eelop'ent, control, conseration, or protection of water resources shall, if the Council so re(uires, "e su"5ect toits approal.

Ar)*c+e /3.+he Council is here") authorie! to i'pose an! collect reasona"le fees or char#es for water resources!eelop'ent fro' water appropriators, e%cept when it is for purel) !o'estic purposes.

Ar)*c+e /-.+he Council an! other a#encies authorie! to enforce this Co!e are e'powere! to enter upon priatelan!s, with preious notice to the owner, for the purpose of con!uctin# sure)s an! h)!rolo#ic inesti#ations, an! toperfor' such other acts as are necessar) in carr)in# out their functions inclu!in# the power to e%ercise the ri#ht ofe'inent !o'ain.

Ar)*c+e /.No pro#ra' or pro5ect inolin# the appropriation, utiliation, e%ploitation, !eelop'ent, control,conseration, or protection of water resources 'a) "e un!erta4en without prior approal of the Council, e%ceptthose which the Council 'a), in its !iscretion, e%e'pt.

+he Council 'a) re(uire consultation with the pu"lic prior to the i'ple'entation of certain water resources!eelop'ent pro5ects.

Ar)*c+e /6.When plans an! specifications of a h)!raulic structure are su"'itte! for approal, the #oern'enta#enc) whose functions e'"race the t)pe of pro5ect for which the structure is inten!e!, shall reiew the plans an!specifications an! reco''en!e! to the Council proper action thereon an! the latter shall approe the sa'e onl)when the) are inconfor'it) with the re(uire'ents of this Co!e an! the rules an! re#ulations pro'ul#ate! ") theCouncil. Notwithstan!in# such approal, neither the en#ineer who !rew up the plans an! specifications of the

h)!raulic structure, nor the constructor who "uilt it, shall "e reliee! of his lia"ilit) for !a'a#es in case of failurethereof ") reason of !efect in plans an! specifications, or failure !ue to !efect in construction, within ten 6/?7 )earsfro' the co'pletion of the structure.

An) action recoer such !a'a#es 'ust "e "rou#ht within fie 67 )ears followin# such failure.

Ar)*c+e /7.+he Council or its !ul) authorie! representaties, in the e%ercise of its power to inesti#ate an! !eci!ecases "rou#ht to its co#niance, shall hae the power to a!'inister oaths, co'pel the atten!ance of witnesses ")su"poena an! the pro!uction of releant !ocu'ents ") su"poena !uces tecu'.

Non&co'pliance of iolation of such or!ers or su"poena an! su"poena !uces tecu' shall "e punishe! in the sa'e'anner as in!irect conte'pt of an inferior court upon application ") the a##riee! part) with the proper Court of

irst Instance in accor!ance with the proisions of Rules 1/ of the Rules of the Court.

Ar)*c+e //.+he Council shall hae ori#inal 5uris!iction oer all !isputes to relatin# to appropriation, utiliation,e%ploitation, !eelop'ent, control, conseration an! protection of waters within the 'eanin# an! conte%t of theproisions of this Co!e.

+he !ecisions of the Council on water ri#hts controersies shall "e i''e!iatel) e%ecutor) an! the enforce'entthereof 'a) "e suspen!e! onl) when a "on!, in a a'ount fi%e! ") the Council to answer for !a'a#es occasione!") the suspension or sta) of e%ecution, shall hae "een file! ") the appealin# part), unless the suspension is irtueof an or!er of a co'petent court.

All !ispute shall "e !eci!e! within si%t) 62?7 !a)s after the parties su"'it the sa'e for !ecision or resolution.


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+he Council shall hae the power to issue writs of e%ecution an! enforce its !ecisions with the assistance of local ornational police a#encies.

Ar)*c+e /9.+he !ecisions of the Council on water ri#hts controersies 'a) "e appeale! to the Court of irstInstance of the proince where the su"5ect 'atter of the controers) is situate! within fifteen 6/7 !a)s fro' the !atethe part) appealin# receies a cop) of the !ecision, on an) of the followin# #roun!s$ 6/7 #rae a"use of !iscretion$6>7 (uestion of law$ an! 6=7 (uestions of fact an! law.

C!APTER $III

PENAL PR$ISINS

Ar)*c+e 90.+he followin# acts shall "e penalie! ") suspension or reocation of the iolator:s water per'it or otherri#ht to the use of water an!Bor a fine of not e%cee!in# *ne +housan! Pesos 6P/,???.??7, in the !iscretion of theCouncil3

6a7Appropriation of su"terranean or #roun! water for !o'estic use ") an oerl)in# lan!owner withoutre#istration re(uire! ") the Council.

6"7 Non&o"serance of an) stan!ar! of "eneficial use of water.

6c7 ailure of the appropriator to 4eep a recor! of water with!rawal, when re(uire!.

6!7 ailure to co'pl) with an) of the ter's or con!itions in a water per'it or a water ri#hts #rant.

6e7 ;nauthorie! use of water for a purpose other than that for which a ri#ht or per'it was #rante!.

6f7 Construction or repair of an) h)!raulic wor4 or structure without !ul) approe! plans an! specifications,when re(uire!.

6#7 ailure to install a re#ulatin# an! 'easurin# !eice for the control of the olu'e of water appropriate!,when re(uire!.

6h7 ;nauthorie! sale, lease, or transfer of water an!Bor water ri#hts.

6i7 ailure to proi!e a!e(uate facilities to preent or control !iseases when re(uire! ") the Council in theconstruction of an) wor4 for the stora#e, !iersion, !istri"ution an! utiliation of water.

657 -rillin# of a well without per'ission of the Council.

647 ;tiliation of an e%istin# well or pon!in# or sprea!in# of water for rechar#in# su"terranean or #roun!water supplies without per'ission of the Council.

6l7 Violation of or non&co'pliance with an) or!er, rules, or re#ulations of the Council.

6'7 Ille#al ta4in# or !iersion of water in an open canal, a(ue!uct or reseroir.

6n7 Malicious !estruction of h)!raulic wor4s or structure alue! at not e%cee!in# P,???.??.

Ar)*c+e 91.A. A fine of not e%cee!in# +hree +housan! Pesos 6P=,???.??7 or i'prison'ent for not 'ore than three6=7 )ears, or "oth such fine an! i'prison'ent, in the !iscretion of the Court, shall "e i'pose! upon an) person whoco''its an) of the followin# acts3

/. Appropriation of water without a water per'it, unless such person is e%pressl) e%e'pte! fro'securin# a per'it ") the proisions of this Co!e.

>. ;nauthorie! o"struction of an irri#ation canal.


12/58

=. Cultiation of a rier "e!, san! "ar or ti!al flat without per'ission.

@. Malicious !estruction of h)!raulic wor4s or structure alue! at not e%cee!in# +went)&ie+housan! Pesos 6P>,???.??7.

,???.??7 "ut at not e%cee!in# *ne Hun!re! +housan! Peso 6/??,???.??7.

C. A fine e%cee!in# Si% +housan! Pesos 6P2,???.??7 "ut not 'ore than +en +housan! Pesos 6P/?,???.??7or i'prison'ent e%cee!in# si% 627 )ears "ut not 'ore than twele 6/>7 )ears, or "oth such fine an!i'prison'ent, in the !iscretion of the Court, shall "e i'pose! upon an) person who co''its an) of the

followin# acts3

/. Misrepresentation of citienship in or!er to (ualif) for water per'it.

>. Malicious !estruction of a h)!raulic wor4s or structure, alue! at 'ore than *ne Hun!re!+housan! Pesos 6P/??,???.??7.

Ar)*c+e 9.If the offense is co''itte! ") a corporation, trust, fir', partnership, association or an) other 5uri!icalperson, the penalt) shall "e i'pose! upon the Presi!ent, eneral Mana#er, an! other #uilt) officer or officers ofsuch corporation, trust fir', partnership, association or entit), without pre5u!ice to the filin# of a ciil action a#ainstsai! 5uri!ical person. If the offen!er is an alien, he shall "e !eporte! after serin# his sentence, without furtherprocee!in#s.

After final 5u!#'ent of coniction, the Court upon petition of the prosecution attorne) in the sa'e procee!in#s, an!after !ue hearin#, 'a), when the pu"lic interest so re(uires, or!er suspension of or !issolution of such corporation,trust, fir', partnership, association or 5uri!ical person.

Ar)*c+e 93.All actions for offenses punisha"le un!er Article 0/ of this Co!e shall "e "rou#ht "efore the proper court.

Ar)*c+e 9-.Actions for offenses punisha"le un!er this Co!e ") a fine of not 'ore than +hree +housan! Pesos6P=,???.??7 or ") an i'prison'ent of not 'ore than three 6=7 )ears, or "oth such fine an! i'prison'ent, shallprescri"e in fie 67 )ears$ those punisha"le ") a fine e%cee!in# +hree +housan! Pesos 6P=,???.??7 "ut not 'orethan Si% +housan! Pesos 6P2,???.??7 or an i'prison'ent e%cee!in# three 6=7 )ears "ut not 'ore than si% 627


13/58

)ears, or "oth such fine an! i'prison'ent, shall prescri"e in seen 617 )ears$ an! those punisha"le ") a finee%cee!in# Si% +housan! Pesos 6P2,???.??7 "ut not 'ore than +en +housan! Pesos 6P/?,???.??7 or ani'prison'ent e%cee!in# si% 627 )ears "ut not 'ore than twele 6/>7 )ears, or "oth such fine an! i'prison'ent, shalprescri"e in ten 6/?7 )ears.

C!APTER I&TRANSITR# AND 'INAL PR$ISINS

Ar)*c+e 9.Within two 6>7 )ears fro' the pro'ul#ation of this Co!e, all clai's for a ri#ht to use water e%istin# on or

"efore -ece'"er =/, /01@ shall "e re#istere! with the Council which shall confir' sai! ri#hts in accor!ance withthe proisions of this Co!e, an! shall set their respectie priorities.

When priorit) in ti'e of appropriation fro' a certain source of suppl) cannot "e !eter'ine!, the or!er of preferencein the use of the waters shall "e as follows3

6a7 -o'estic an! 'unicipal use

6"7 Irri#ation

6c7 Power #eneration

6!7 isheries

6e7 9iestoc4 raisin#

6f7 In!ustrial use, an!

6#7 *ther uses.

An) clai' not re#istere! within sai! perio! shall "e consi!ere! waie! an! the use of the water !ee'e!a"an!one!, an! the water shall thereupon "e aaila"le for !isposition as unappropriate! waters in accor!ance withthe proisions of this Co!e.

Ar)*c+e 96.No este! or ac(uire! ri#ht to the use of water can arise fro' acts or o'issions which are a#ainst thelaw or which infrin#e upon the ri#hts of others.

Ar)*c+e 97.Acts an! contract un!er the re#i'e of ol! laws, if the) are ali! in accor!ance therewith, shall "erespecte!, su"5ect to the li'itations esta"lishe! in this Co!e. An) 'o!ification or e%tension of these acts an!contracts after the pro'ul#ation of this Co!e, shall "e su"5ect to the proisions hereof.

Ar)*c+e 9/.Interi' rules an! re#ulations pro'ul#ate! ") the Council shall continue to hae "in!in# force an! effect,when not in conflict with the proisions of this Co!e.

Ar)*c+e 99.If an) proision or part of this Co!e, or the application thereof to an) person or circu'stance, is !eclare!unconstitutional or inali! for an) reason, the other proisions or parts therein shall not "e affecte!.

Ar)*c+e 100.+he followin# laws, parts an!Bor proisions of laws are here") repeale!3

6a7 +he proisions of the Spanish 9aw on Waters of Au#ust =, /822, the Ciil Co!e of Spain of /880 an! theCiil Co!e of the Philippines 6R.A. =827 on ownership of waters, ease'ents relatin# to waters, use of pu"licwaters an! ac(uisitie prescription on the use of waters, which are inconsistent with the proisions of thisCo!e$

6"7 +he proisions of R.A. 2=0, otherwise 4nown as the Reise! Charter of National Power Corporation,particularl) section =, para#raph 6f7, an! section />, insofar as the) relate to the appropriation of waters an!the #rant thereof$


14/58

6c7 +he proisions of Act No. >/>, as a'en!e!, otherwise 4nown as the Irri#ation Act, section =,para#raphs 647 an! 6'7 of P.-. No. 8/=, R.A. >?2$ Section 0?, C.A. /=1$ an!,

6!7 All -ecree, 9aws, Acts, parts of Acts, rules of Court, e%ecutie or!ers, an! a!'inistratie re#ulationswhich are contrar) to or inconsistent with the proisions of this Co!e.

Ar)*c+e 101.+his Co!e shall ta4e effect upon its pro'ul#ation.

-one in the Cit) of Manila, this =/st !a) of -ece'"er, Nineteen Hun!re! an! Seent)&Si%


15/58

Reb+*c o2 )e P*+**4e5Co4re55 o2 )e P*+**4e5

Metro Manila

Te4) Co4re55

Reb+*c Ac) No. /0 'ebrr8 , 199/

AN ACT PR$IDING 'R T!E DE$ELPMENT, MANAGEMENT AND CNSER$ATIN ' T!E 'IS!ERIESAND AUATIC RESURCES, INTEGRATING ALL LAWS PERTINENT T!ERET, AND 'R T!ER

PURPSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:3

Sec)*o4 1. Title.& +his Act shall "e 4nown as :The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.:

C!APTER IDec+r)*o4 o2 Po+*c8 4; De2*4*)*o45

Sec)*o4 . Declaration of Policy.& It is here") !eclare! the polic) of the State3

6a7 to achiee foo! securit) as the oerri!in# consi!eration in the utiliation, 'ana#e'ent, !eelop'ent,conseration an! protection of fisher) resources in or!er to proi!e the foo! nee!s of the population. Afle%i"le polic) towar!s the attain'ent of foo! securit) shall "e a!opte! in response to chan#es in!e'o#raphic tren!s for fish, e'er#in# tren!s in the tra!e of fish an! other a(uatic pro!ucts in !o'estic an!international 'ar4ets, an! the law of suppl) an! !e'an!$ lawphi1

6"7 to li'it access to the fisher) an! a(uatic resources of the Philippines for the e%clusie use an!en5o)'ent of ilipino citiens$

6c7 to ensure the rational an! sustaina"le !eelop'ent, 'ana#e'ent an! conseration of the fisher) an!a(uatic resources in Philippine waters inclu!in# the E%clusie Econo'ic Done 6EED7 an! in the a!5acenthi#h seas, consistent with the pri'or!ial o"5ectie of 'aintainin# a soun! ecolo#ical "alance, protectin# an!enhancin# the (ualit) of the eniron'ent$

6!7 to protect the ri#hts of fisherfol4, especiall) of the local co''unities with priorit) to 'unicipal fisherfol4, inthe preferential use of the 'unicipal waters. Such preferential use, shall "e "ase! on, "ut not li'ite! to,Ma%i'u' Sustaina"le iel! 6MS7 or +otal Allowa"le Catch 6+AC7 on the "asis of resources an! ecolo#icalcon!itions, an! shall "e consistent with our co''it'ents un!er international treaties an! a#ree'ents$

6e7 to proi!e support to the fisher) sector, pri'aril) to the 'unicipal fisherfol4, inclu!in# wo'en an! )outhsectors, throu#h appropriate technolo#) an! research, a!e(uate financial, pro!uction, construction of post&

harest facilities, 'ar4etin# assistance, an! other serices. +he protection of 'unicipal fisherfol4 a#ainstforei#n intrusion shall e%ten! to offshore fishin# #roun!s. ishwor4ers shall receie a 5ust share for theirla"or in the utiliation of 'arine an! fisher) resources$

6f7 to 'ana#e fisher) an! a(uatic resources, in a 'anner consistent with the concept of an inte#rate!coastal area 'ana#e'ent in specific natural fisher) 'ana#e'ent areas, appropriatel) supporte! ")research, technical serices an! #ui!ance proi!e! ") the State$ an!

6#7 to #rant the priate sector the priile#e to utilie fisher) resources un!er the "asic concept that the#rantee, licensee or per'ittee thereof shall not onl) "e a priile#e! "eneficiar) of the State "ut also actie


16/58

participant an! partner of the oern'ent in the sustaina"le !eelop'ent, 'ana#e'ent, conseration an!protection of the fisher) an! a(uatic resources of the countr).

+he state shall ensure the attain'ent of the followin# o"5ecties of the fisher) sector3

/. Conseration, protection an! sustaine! 'ana#e'ent of the countr):s fisher) an! a(uatic resources$

>. Poert) alleiation an! the proision of supple'entar) lielihoo! a'on# 'unicipal fisherfol4$

=. I'proe'ent of pro!uctiit) of a(uaculture within ecolo#ical li'its$

@. *pti'al utiliation of offshore an! !eep&sea resources$ an!

. ;p#ra!in# of post&harest technolo#).

Sec)*o4 3.Application of its Provisions.& +he proisions of this Co!e shall "e enforce! in3

6a7 all Philippine waters inclu!in# other waters oer which the Philippines has soerei#nt) an! 5uris!iction,an! the countr):s >??&nautical 'ile E%clusie Econo'ic Done 6EED7 an! continental shelf$

6"7 all a(uatic an! fisher) resources whether inlan!, coastal or offshore fishin# areas, inclu!in# "ut notli'ite! to fishpon!s, fishpensBca#es$ an!

6c7 all lan!s !eote! to a(uaculture, or "usinesses an! actiities relatin# to fisher), whether priate or pu"liclan!s.lawphi1

Sec)*o4 -. Definition of Terms.& As use! in this Co!e, the followin# ter's an! phrases shall 'ean as follows3

/. Ancillar) In!ustries & fir's or co'panies relate! to the suppl), construction an! 'aintenance of fishin#essels, #ears, nets an! other fishin# paraphernalia$ fisher) 'achine shops$ an! other facilities such ashatcheries, nurseries, fee! plants, col! stora#e an! refri#eration, processin# plants an! other pre&harestan! post&harest facilities.

>. Appropriate ishin# +echnolo#) & a!apta"le technolo#), "oth in fishin# an! ancillar) in!ustries, that isecolo#icall) soun!, locall) source&"ase! an! la"or intensie.

=. A(uaculture & fisher) operations inolin# all for's of raisin# an! culturin# fish an! other fisher) speciesin fresh, "rac4ish an! 'arine water areas.

@. A(uatic Pollution & the intro!uction ") hu'an or 'achine, !irectl) or in!irectl), of su"stances or ener#) tothe a(uatic eniron'ent which result or is li4el) to result in such !eleterious effects as to har' liin# an!non&liin# a(uatic resources, pose potential an!Bor real haar! to hu'an health, hin!rance to a(uaticactiities such as fishin# an! nai#ation, inclu!in# !u'pin#B!isposal of waste an! other 'arine litters,!ischar#e of petroleu' or resi!ual pro!ucts of petroleu' or car"onaceous 'aterialsBsu"stances, an! other,ra!ioactie, no%ious or har'ful li(ui!, #aseous or soli! su"stances, fro' an) water, lan! or air transport orother hu'an&'a!e structure. -eforestation, unsoun! a#ricultural practices such as the use of "anne!che'icals an! e%cessie use of che'icals, intensie use of artificial fish fee!, an! wetlan! conersion,which cause si'ilar haar!s an! !eleterious effects shall also constitute a(uatic pollution.

. A(uatic Resources & inclu!es fish, all other a(uatic flora an! fauna an! other liin# resources of thea(uatic eniron'ent, inclu!in#, "ut not li'ite! to, salt an! corals.

2. Artificial Reefs & an) structure of natural or 'an&'a!e 'aterials place! on a "o!) of water to sere asshelter an! ha"itat, source of foo!, "ree!in# areas for fisher) species an! shoreline protection.


17/58

1. Catch Ceilin#s & refer to the annual catch li'its allowe! to "e ta4en, #athere! or hareste! fro' an)fishin# area in consi!eration of the nee! to preent oerfishin# an! har'ful !epletion of "ree!in# stoc4s ofa(uatic or#anis's.

8. Close! Season & the perio! !urin# which the ta4in# of specifie! fisher) species ") a specifie! fishin# #earis prohi"ite! in a specifie! area or areas in Philippine waters.

0. Coastal AreaBDone & is a "an! of !r) lan! an! a!5acent ocean space 6water an! su"'er#e! lan!. in whichterrestrial processes an! uses !irectl) affect oceanic processes an! uses, an! ice ersa$ its #eo#raphic

e%tent 'a) inclu!e areas within a lan!'ar4 li'it of one 6/. 4ilo'eter fro' the shoreline at hi#h ti!e toinclu!e 'an#roe swa'ps, "rac4ish water pon!s, nipa swa'ps, estuarine riers, san!) "eaches an! otherareas within a seawar! li'it of >?? 'eters iso"ath to inclu!e coral reefs, al#al flats, sea#rass "e!s an!other soft&"otto' areas.

/?. Co''ercial ishin# & the ta4in# of fisher) species ") passie or actie #ear for tra!e, "usiness F profit"e)on! su"sistence or sports fishin#, to "e further classifie! as3

6/7 S'all scale co''ercial fishin# & fishin# with passie or actie #ear utiliin# fishin# essels of =./#ross tons 6+7 up to twent) 6>?7 +$

6>7 Me!iu' scale co''ercial fishin# & fishin# utiliin# actie #ears an! essels of >?./ + up to one

hun!re! fift) 6/?7 +$ an!

6=7 9ar#e co''ercial fishin# & fishin# utiliin# actie #ears an! essels of 'ore than one hun!re!fift) 6/?7 +.

//. Co''ercial Scale & a sche'e of pro!ucin# a 'ini'u' harest per hectare per )ear of 'il4fish or otherspecies inclu!in# those raise! in pens, ca#es, an! tan4s to "e !eter'ine! ") the -epart'ent in consultationwith the concerne! sectors$

/>. Coral & the har! calcareous su"stance 'a!e up of the s4eleton of 'arine coelenterate pol)ps whichinclu!e reefs, sheles an! atolls or an) of the 'arine coelenterate ani'als liin# in colonies where theirs4eletons for' a ston) 'ass. +he) inclu!e3 6a. s4eletons of anthooan coelenterates characterie! as

hain# a ri#i! a%is of co'pact calcareous or horn) spicules, "elon#in# to the #enus coralliu' asrepresente! ") the re!, pin4, an! white corals which are consi!ere! precious corals$ 6". s4eletons ofanthooan coelenterates characterie! ") thorn), horn) a%is such as the antipatharians represente! ") the"lac4 corals which are consi!ere! se'i&precious corals$ an! 6c. or!inar) corals which are an) 4in! of coralsthat are not precious nor se'i&precious.

/=. Coral Reef & a natural a##re#ation of coral s4eleton, with or without liin# coral pol)ps, occurrin# ininterti!al an! su"ti!al 'arine waters.

/@. -e'arcate! Areas & "oun!aries !efine! ") 'ar4ers an! assi#ne! e%clusiel) to specific in!ii!uals oror#aniations for certain specifie! an! li'ite! uses such as3

6a7 A(uaculture, sea ranchin# an! sea far'in#$

6"7 ish a##re#atin# !eices$

6c7 i%e! an! passie fishin# #ears$ an!

6!7 r) an! fin#erlin#s #atherin#.

/. -epart'ent & shall 'ean the -epart'ent of A#riculture.


18/58

/2. Electrofishin# & the use of electricit) #enerate! ") "atteries, electric #enerators an! other source ofelectric power to 4ill, stupef), !isa"le or ren!er unconscious fisher) species, whether or not the sa'e aresu"se(uentl) recoere!.

/1. En!an#ere! Rare an!Bor +hreatene! Species & a(uatic plants, ani'als, inclu!in# so'e arieties ofcorals an! sea shells in !an#er of e%tinction as proi!e! for in e%istin# fisher) laws, rules an! re#ulations orin the Protecte! Areas an! Wil!life ?. ar'&to&Mar4et Roa!s & shall inclu!e roa!s lin4in# the fisheries pro!uction sites, coastal lan!in# pointsan! other post&harest facilities to 'a5or 'ar4et an! arterial roa!s an! hi#hwa)s.

>/. ine Mesh Net & net with 'esh sie of less than three centi'eters 6= c'.. 'easure! "etween two 6>.opposite 4nots of a full 'esh when stretche! or as otherwise !eter'ine! ") the appropriate #oern'enta#enc).

>>. ish an! isher)BA(uatic Pro!ucts & inclu!e not onl) finfish "ut also 'ollus4s, crustaceans,echino!er's, 'arine 'a''als, an! all other species of a(uatic flora an! fauna an! all other pro!ucts ofa(uatic liin# resources in an) for'.

>=. ish Ca#e & refers to an enclosure which is either stationar) or floatin# 'a!e up of nets or screens sewnor fastene! to#ether an! installe! in the water with openin# at the surface or coere! an! hel! in a place ")woo!enB"a'"oo posts or arious t)pes of anchors an! floats.

>@. ish Corral or G. c'.

>1. ish pen & an artificial enclosure constructe! within a "o!) of water for culturin# fish an! fisher)Ba(uaticresources 'a!e up of poles closel) arran#e! in an enclosure with woo!en 'aterials, screen or n)lon nettin#to preent escape of fish.

>8. isherfol4 & people !irectl) or personall) an! ph)sicall) en#a#e! in ta4in# an!Bor culturin# an!

processin# fisher) an!Bor a(uatic resources.lawphi1

>0. isherfol4 Cooperatie & a !ul) re#istere! association of fisherfol4 with a co''on "on! of interest, whohae oluntaril) 5oine! to#ether to achiee a lawful co''on social or econo'ic en!, 'a4in# e(uita"lecontri"ution to the capital re(uire'ent an! acceptin# a fair share of the ris4s an! "enefits of theun!erta4in#s in accor!ance with uniersall) accepte! cooperatie principles.

=?. isherfol4 *r#aniation & an or#anie! #roup, association, fe!eration, alliance or an institution offisherfol4 which has at least fifteen 6/. 'e'"ers, a set of officers, a constitution an! ")&laws, anor#aniational structure an! a pro#ra' of action.


19/58

=/. isheries & refers to all actiities relatin# to the act or "usiness of fishin#, culturin#, preserin#,processin#, 'ar4etin#, !eelopin#, conserin# an! 'ana#in# a(uatic resources an! the fisher) areas,inclu!in# the priile#e to fish or ta4e a(uatic resource thereof.

=>. ish Pon! & a lan!&"ase! facilit) enclose! with earthen or stone 'aterial to i'poun! water for #rowin#fish.

==. ishin#


20/58

@@. ishwor4er & a person re#ularl) or not re#ularl) e'plo)e! in co''ercial fishin# an! relate! in!ustries,whose inco'e is either in wa#e, profit&sharin# or stratifie! sharin# "asis, inclu!in# those wor4in# in fishpens, fish ca#es, fish corralsBtraps, fishpon!s, prawn far's, sea far's, salt "e!s, fish ports, fishin# "oat ortrawlers, or fish processin# an!Bor pac4in# plants. E%clu!e! fro' this cate#or) are a!'inistrators, securit)#uar!s an! oerseers.

@. oo! Securit) & refers to an) plan, polic) or strate#) ai'e! at ensurin# a!e(uate supplies of appropriatefoo! at affor!a"le prices. oo! securit) 'a) "e achiee! throu#h self&sufficienc) 6i.e. ensurin# a!e(uatefoo! supplies fro' !o'estic pro!uction7, throu#h self&reliance 6i.e. ensurin# a!e(uate foo! supplies throu#h

a co'"ination of !o'estic pro!uction an! i'portation7, or throu#h pure i'portation.

@2. oreshore 9an! & a strin# of lan! 'ar#inin# a "o!) of water$ the part of a seashore "etween the low&water line usuall) at the seawar! 'ar#in of a low ti!e terrace an! the upper li'it of wae wash at hi#h ti!eusuall) 'ar4e! ") a "each scarp or "er'.

@1. ull)&!eelope! ishpon! Area & a clean leele! area enclose! ") !i4es, at least one foot hi#her thanthe hi#hest floo!water leel in the localit) an! stron# enou#h to resist pressure at the hi#hest floo! ti!e$consists of at least a nurser) pon!, a transition pon!, a rearin# pon! or a co'"ination of an) or all sai!classes of pon!s, an! a functional water control s)ste' an! pro!ucin# in a co''ercial scale.

@8. ross +onna#e & inclu!es the un!er!ec4 tonna#e, per'anentl) enclose! spaces a"oe the tonna#e

!ec4, e%cept for certain e%e'ptions. In "roa! ter's, all the essel:s :close!&in: spaces e%presse! in olu'eter's on the "ases of one hun!re! cu"ic feet 6that e(uals one #ross ton7.

@0. Inlan! isher) & the freshwater fisher) an! "rac4ishwater fishpon!s.

?. 9a4e & an inlan! "o!) of water, an e%pan!e! part of a rier, a reseroir for'e! ") a !a', or a la4e "asininter'ittentl) or for'erl) coere! ") water.

/. 9i'ite! Access & a fisher) polic) ") which a s)ste' of e(uita"le resource an! allocation is esta"lishe!") law throu#h fisher) ri#hts #rantin# an! licensin# proce!ure as proi!e! ") this Co!e.

>. Man#roes & a co''unit) of interti!al plants inclu!in# all species of trees, shru"s, ines an! her"s

foun! on coasts, swa'ps, or "or!er of swa'ps.

=. Ma%i'u' Sustaina"le iel! 6MS. & is the lar#est aera#e (uantit) of fish that can "e hareste! fro' afish stoc4sBresource within a perio! of ti'e 6e.#. one )ear. on a sustaina"le "asis un!er e%istin#eniron'ental con!itions.

@. Mi#rator) species & refers to an) fisher) species which in the course of their life coul! trael fro'freshwater to 'arine water or ice ersa, or an) 'arine species which trael oer #reat !istances in watersof the ocean as part of their "ehaioral a!aptation for surial an! speciation3

6a7 Ana!ro'ous species & 'arine fishes which 'i#rate to freshwater areas to spawn$

6"7 Cata!ro'ous species & freshwater fishes which 'i#rate to 'arine areas to spawn.

. Monitorin#, control an! sureillance &

6a7 Monitorin# & the re(uire'ent of continuousl) o"serin#3 6/7 fishin# effort which can "e e%presse!") the nu'"er of !a)s or hours of fishin#, nu'"er of fishin# #ears an! nu'"er of fisherfol4$ 6>7characteristics of fisher) resources$ an! 6=7 resource )iel!s 6catch7$

6"7 Control & the re#ulator) con!itions 6le#al fra'ewor47 un!er which the e%ploitation, utiliation an!!isposition of the resources 'a) "e con!ucte!$ an!


21/58

6c7 Sureillance & the !e#ree an! t)pes of o"serations re(uire! to 'aintain co'pliance withre#ulations.lawphi1!"#

2. Municipal fisherfol4 & persons who are !irectl) or in!irectl) en#a#e! in 'unicipal fishin# an! otherrelate! fishin# actiities.

1. Municipal fishin# & refers to fishin# within 'unicipal waters usin# fishin# essels of three 6=. #ross tons orless, or fishin# not re(uirin# the use of fishin# essels.

8. Municipal waters & inclu!e not onl) strea's, la4es, inlan! "o!ies of water an! ti!al waters within the'unicipalit) which are not inclu!e! within the protecte! areas as !efine! un!er Repu"lic Act No. 182 6+heNIPAS 9aw7, pu"lic forest, ti'"er lan!s, forest reseres or fisher) reseres, "ut also 'arine waters inclu!e!"etween two 6>. lines !rawn perpen!icular to the #eneral coastline fro' points where the "oun!ar) lines ofthe 'unicipalit) touch the sea at low ti!e an! a thir! line parallel with the #eneral coastline inclu!in# offshoreislan!s an! fifteen 6/. 4ilo'eters fro' such coastline. Where two 6>. 'unicipalities are so situate! onopposite shores that there is less than thirt) 6=?. 4ilo'eters of 'arine waters "etween the', the thir! lineshall "e e(uall) !istant fro' opposite shore of the respectie 'unicipalities.

0. Nonoern'ental or#aniation 6N*. & an a#enc), institution, a foun!ation or a #roup of personswhose purpose is to assist peoples or#aniationsBassociations in arious wa)s inclu!in#, "ut not li'ite! to,or#aniin#, e!ucation, trainin#, research an!Bor resource accessin#.

2?. Pa)ao & a fish a##re#atin# !eice consistin# of a loatin# raft anchore! ") a wei#hte! line withsuspen!e! 'aterials such as pal' fron!s to attract pela#ic an! schoolin# species co''on in !eep waters.

2/. Pearl ar' 9ease & pu"lic waters lease! for the purpose of pro!ucin# culture! pearls.

2>. People:s *r#aniation & a "ona fi!e association of citiens with !e'onstrate! capacit) to pro'ote thepu"lic interest an! with i!entifia"le lea!ership, 'e'"ership an! structure. Its 'e'"ers "elon# to a sectorBswho oluntaril) "an! the'seles to#ether to wor4 for an! ") the'seles for their own uplift'ent,!eelop'ent an! #reater #oo!.

2=. Person & natural or 5uri!ical entities such as in!ii!uals, associations, partnership, cooperaties or

corporations.

2@. Philippine waters & inclu!e all "o!ies of water within the Philippine territor) such as la4es, riers,strea's, cree4s, "roo4s, pon!s, swa'ps, la#oons, #ulfs, "a)s an! seas an! other "o!ies of water nowe%istin# or which 'a) hereafter e%ist in the proinces, cities, 'unicipalities, an! "aran#a)s an! the watersaroun!, "etween an! connectin# the islan!s of the archipela#o re#ar!less of their "rea!th an! !i'ensions,the territorial sea, the sea "e!s, the insular sheles, an! all other waters oer which the Philippines hassoerei#nt) an! 5uris!iction inclu!in# the >??&nautical 'iles E%clusie Econo'ic Done an! the continentalshelf.

2. Post&harest facilities & these facilities inclu!e, "ut are not li'ite! to, fishport, fishlan!in#, ice plants an!col! stora#es, fish processin# plants.

22. Purse Seine & a for' of encirclin# net hain# a line at the "otto' passin# throu#h rin#s attache! to thenet, which can "e !rawn or purse!. In #eneral, the net is set fro' a "oat or pair of "oats aroun! the schoolof fish. +he "otto' of the net is pulle! close! with the purse line. +he net is then pulle! a"oar! the fishin#"oat or "oats until the fish are concentrate! in the "unt or fish "a#.

21. Resource Rent & the !ifference "etween the alue of the pro!ucts pro!uce! fro' harestin# a pu"licl)owne! resource less the cost of pro!ucin# it, where cost inclu!es the nor'al return to capital an! nor'alreturn to la"or.


22/58

28. Sea far'in# & the stoc4in# of natural or hatcher)&pro!uce! 'arine plants or ani'als, un!er controlle!con!itions, for purposes of rearin# an! harestin#, "ut not li'ite! to co''erciall)&i'portant fishes, 'ollus4s6such as pearl an! #iant cla' culture7, inclu!in# seawee!s an! sea#rasses.

20. Sea ranchin# & the release of the )oun# of fisher) species reare! in hatcheries an! nurseries into natural"o!ies of water for su"se(uent harest at 'aturit) or the 'anipulation of fisher) ha"itat, to encoura#e the#rowth of the wil! stoc4s.

1?. Secretar) & the Secretar) of the -epart'ent of A#riculture.

1/. Superli#ht & also calle! 'a#ic li#ht, is a t)pe of li#ht usin# halo#en or 'etal hali!e "ul" which 'a) "elocate! a"oe the sea surface or su"'er#e! in the water. It consists of a "allast, re#ulator, electric ca"lean! soc4et. +he source of ener#) co'es fro' a #enerator, "atter) or !)na'o couple! with the 'ain en#ine.

1>. +otal Allowa"le Catch 6+AC. & the 'a%i'u' harest allowe! to "e ta4en !urin# a #ien perio! of ti'efro' an) fisher) area, or fro' an) fisher) species or #roup of fisher) species, or a co'"ination of area an!species an! nor'all) woul! not e%cee! the MS.

1=. +rawl & an actie fishin# #ear consistin# of a "a# shape! net with or without otter "oar!s to open itsopenin# which is !ra##e! or towe! alon# the "otto' or throu#h the water colu'n to ta4e fisher) species ")strainin# the' fro' the water, inclu!in# all ariations an! 'o!ifications of trawls 6"otto', 'i!&water, an!

"a") trawls7 an! tow nets.

C!APTER IIU)*+*


23/58

special a#encies, 'unicipal waters an! "a)s, an!Bor other areas resere! for the use of the 'unicipal fisherfol4 inthe area to "e coere! ") the close! season3 Proi!e!, howeer, +hat this shall "e !one onl) upon the concurrencean! approal or reco''en!ation of such special a#enc) an! the concerne! 9; an! ARMC3 Proi!e!, further,+hat in 'unicipal waters, fisher) 'ana#e'ent areas an! other areas resere! for the use of the 'unicipalfisherfol4, close! season 'a) "e esta"lishe! ") the concerne! 9; in consultation with the ARMC forconseration or ecolo#ical purposes. +he ARMCs 'a) also reco''en! the esta"lish'ent of close! seasons in'unicipal waters, fisheries 'ana#e'ent an! other areas resere! for the use of the 'unicipal fisherfol4.

Sec)*o4 10. 'ntrod"ction of Forein A("atic &pecies.& No forei#n finfish, 'ollus4, crustacean or a(uatic plants

shall "e intro!uce! in Philippine waters without a soun! ecolo#ical, "iolo#ical an! eniron'ental 5ustification "ase!on scientific stu!ies su"5ect to the "io&safet) stan!ar! as proi!e! for ") e%istin# laws3 Proi!e!, howeer, +hat the-epart'ent 'a) approe the intro!uction of forei#n a(uatic species for scientificBresearch purposes.

Sec)*o4 11. Protection of !are) Threatened and $ndanered &pecies.& +he -epart'ent shall !eclare close!seasons an! ta4e conseration an! reha"ilitation 'easures for rare, threatene! an! en!an#ere! species, as it 'a)!eter'ine, an! shall "an the fishin# an!Bor ta4in# of rare, threatene! an!Bor en!an#ere! species, inclu!in# theire##sBoffsprin# as i!entifie! ") e%istin# laws in concurrence with concerne! #oern'ent a#encies.

Sec)*o4 1. $nvironmental 'mpact &tatement *$'&+.& All #oern'ent a#encies as well as priate corporations,fir's an! entities who inten! to un!erta4e actiities or pro5ects which will affect the (ualit) of the eniron'ent shall"e re(uire! to prepare a !etaile! Eniron'ental I'pact State'ent 6EIS7 prior to un!erta4in# such !eelop'ent

actiit). +he preparation of the EIS shall for' an inte#ral part of the entire plannin# process pursuant to theproisions of Presi!ential -ecree No. /82 as well as its i'ple'entin# rules an! re#ulations.

Sec)*o4 13. $nvironmental Compliance Certificate *$CC+.& All Eniron'ental I'pact State'ents 6EIS7 shall "esu"'itte! to the -epart'ent of Eniron'ent an! Natural Resources 6-ENR7 for reiew an! ealuation. No person,natural or 5uri!ical, shall un!erta4e an) !eelop'ent pro5ect without first securin# an Eniron'ental Co'plianceCertificate 6ECC7 fro' the Secretar) of the -ENR.

Sec)*o4 1-. ,onitorin) Control and &"rveillance of Philippine Waters.& A 'onitorin#, control an! sureillances)ste' shall "e esta"lishe! ") the -epart'ent in coor!ination with 9;s, ARMCs, the priate sector an! othera#encies concerne! to ensure that the fisheries an! a(uatic resources in Philippine waters are 5u!iciousl) an!wisel) utilie! an! 'ana#e! on a sustaina"le "asis an! consere! for the "enefit an! en5o)'ent e%clusiel) ofilipino citiens.

Sec)*o4 1.A"-iliary 'nvoices.& All fish an! fisher) pro!ucts 'ust hae an au%iliar) inoice to "e issue! ") the9;s or their !ul) authorie! representaties prior to their transport fro' their point of ori#in to their point of!estination in the Philippines an!Bor e%port purposes upon pa)'ent of a fee to "e !eter'ine! ") the 9;s to !efra)a!'inistratie costs therefor.

ARTICLE IMUNICIPAL 'IS!ERIES

Sec)*o4 16. "risdiction of ,"nicipal/City 0overnment.& +he 'unicipalBcit) #oern'ent shall hae 5uris!ictionoer 'unicipal waters as !efine! in this Co!e. +he 'unicipalBcit) #oern'ent, in consultation with the ARMC shall"e responsi"le for the 'ana#e'ent, conseration, !eelop'ent, protection, utiliation, an! !isposition of all fish an!

fisher)Ba(uatic resources within their respectie 'unicipal waters.

+he 'unicipalBcit) #oern'ent 'a), in consultation with the ARMC, enact appropriate or!inances for this purposean! in accor!ance with the National isheries Polic). +he or!inances enacte! ") the 'unicipalit) an! co'ponentcit) shall "e reiewe! pursuant to Repu"lic Act No. 1/2? ") the san##unian of the proince which has 5uris!ictionoer the sa'e.

+he 9;s shall also enforce all fisher) laws, rules an! re#ulations as well as ali! fisher) or!inances enacte! ")the 'unicipalBcit) council.


24/58

+he 'ana#e'ent of conti#uous fisher) resources such as "a)s which stra!!le seeral 'unicipalities, cities orproinces, shall "e !one in an inte#rate! 'anner, an! shall not "e "ase! on political su"!iisions of 'unicipalwaters in or!er to facilitate their 'ana#e'ent as sin#le resource s)ste's. +he 9;s which share or "or!er suchresources 'a) #roup the'seles an! coor!inate with each other to achiee the o"5ecties of inte#rate! fisher)resource 'ana#e'ent. +he Inte#rate! isheries an! A(uatic Resources Mana#e'ent Councils 6ARMCs7esta"lishe! un!er Section 12 of this Co!e shall sere as the enues for close colla"oration a'on# 9;s in the'ana#e'ent of conti#uous resources.

Sec)*o4 17. 0rant of Fishin Privilees in ,"nicipal Waters.& +he !ul) re#istere! fisherfol4

or#aniationsBcooperaties shall hae preference in the #rant of fisher) ri#hts ") the MunicipalBCit) Council pursuantto Section /@0 of the 9ocal oern'ent Co!e3 Proi!e!, +hat in areas where there are special a#encies or officeseste! with 5uris!iction oer 'unicipal waters ") irtue of special laws creatin# these a#encies such as, "ut notli'ite! to, the 9a#una 9a4e -eelop'ent Authorit) an! the Palawan Council for Sustaina"le -eelop'ent, sai!offices an! a#encies shall continue to #rant per'its for proper 'ana#e'ent an! i'ple'entation of theafore'entione! structures.

Sec)*o4 1/. Users of ,"nicipal Waters.& All fisher) relate! actiities in 'unicipal waters, as !efine! in this Co!e,shall "e utilie! ") 'unicipal fisherfol4 an! their cooperatiesBor#aniations who are liste! as such in the re#istr) of'unicipal fisherfol4.

+he 'unicipal or cit) #oern'ent, howeer, 'a), throu#h its local chief e%ecutie an! actin# pursuant to an

appropriate or!inance, authorie or per'it s'all an! 'e!iu' co''ercial fishin# essels to operate within the tenpoint one 6/?./7 to fifteen 6/7 4ilo'eter area fro' the shoreline in 'unicipal waters as !efine! herein, proi!e!,that all the followin# are 'et3

6a7 no co''ercial fishin# in 'unicipal waters with !epth less than seen 617 fatho's as certifie! ") theappropriate a#enc)$

6"7 fishin# actiities utiliin# 'etho!s an! #ears that are !eter'ine! to "e consistent with national policiesset ") the -epart'ent$

6c7 prior consultation, throu#h pu"lic hearin#, with the MBCARMC has "een con!ucte!$ an!

6!7 the applicant essel as well as the shipowner, e'plo)er, captain an! crew hae "een certifie! ") theappropriate a#enc) as not hain# iolate! this Co!e, eniron'ental laws an! relate! laws.

In no case shall the authoriation or per'it 'entione! a"oe "e #rante! for fishin# in "a)s as !eter'ine! ") the-epart'ent to "e in an eniron'entall) critical con!ition an! !urin# close! season as proi!e! for in Section 0 ofthis Co!e.

Sec)*o4 19. !eistry of ,"nicipal Fisherfol.& +he 9; shall 'aintain a re#istr) of 'unicipal fisherfol4, who arefishin# or 'a) !esire to fish in 'unicipal waters for the purpose of !eter'inin# priorities a'on# the', of li'itin#entr) into the 'unicipal waters, an! of 'onitorin# fishin# actiities anBor other relate! purposes3 Proi!e!, +hat theARMC shall su"'it to the 9; the list of priorities for its consi!eration.

Such list or re#istr) shall "e up!ate! annuall) or as 'a) "e necessar), an! shall "e poste! in "aran#a) halls orother strate#ic locations where it shall "e open to pu"lic inspection, for the purpose of ali!atin# the correctness an!co'pleteness of the list. +he 9;, in consultation with the ARMCs, shall for'ulate the necessar) 'echanis's forinclusion or e%clusion proce!ures that shall "e 'ost "eneficial to the resi!ent 'unicipal fisherfol4. +he ARMCs'a) li4ewise reco''en! such 'echanis's.

+he 9;s shall also 'aintain a re#istr) of 'unicipal fishin# essels ") t)pe of #ear an! other "oat particulars withthe assistance of the ARMC.

Sec)*o4 0. Fisherfol Orani2ations and/or Cooperatives.& isherfol4 or#aniationsBcooperaties whose'e'"ers are liste! in the re#istr) of 'unicipal fisherfol4, 'a) "e #rante! use of !e'arcate! fisher) areas toen#a#e in fish capture, 'ariculture an!Bor fish far'in#3 Proi!e!, howeer, +hat an or#aniationBcooperatie


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'e'"er whose househol! is alrea!) in possession of a fisher) ri#ht other than for fish capture cannot en5o) thefishin# ri#hts #rante! to the or#aniation or cooperatie.

Sec)*o4 1. Priority of !esident ,"nicipal Fisherfol.& Resi!ent 'unicipal fisherfol4 of the 'unicipalit)concerne! an! their or#aniationsBcooperaties shall hae priorit) to e%ploit 'unicipal an! !e'arcate! fisher) areasof the sai! 'unicipalit).

Sec)*o4 . Demarcated Fishery !iht.& +he 9; concerne! shall #rant !e'arcate! fisher) ri#hts to fisher)or#aniationsBcooperaties for 'ariculture operation in specific areas i!entifie! ") the -epart'ent.

Sec)*o4 3. #imited $ntry 'nto Overfished Areas.& Wheneer it is !eter'ine! ") the 9;s an! the -epart'entthat a 'unicipal water is oerfishe! "ase! on aaila"le !ata or infor'ation or in !an#er of "ein# oerfishe!, an! thatthere is a nee! to re#enerate the fisher) resources in that water, the 9; shall prohi"it or li'it fisher) actiities inthe sai! waters.

Sec)*o4 -. &"pport to ,"nicipal Fisherfol.& +he -epart'ent an! the 9;s shall proi!e support to 'unicipalfisherfol4 throu#h appropriate technolo#) an! research, cre!it, pro!uction an! 'ar4etin# assistance an! otherserices such as, "ut not li'ite! to trainin# for a!!itionalBsupple'entar) lielihoo!.

Sec)*o4 . !ihts and Privilees of Fish3orers.& +he fishwor4ers shall "e entitle! to the priile#es accor!e! toother wor4ers un!er the 9a"or Co!e, Social Securit) S)ste' an! other "enefits un!er other laws or social

le#islation for wor4ers3 Proi!e!, +hat fishwor4ers on "oar! an) fishin# essels en#a#e! in fishin# operations arehere") coere! ") the Philippine 9a"or Co!e, as a'en!e!.

ARTICLE IICMMERCIAL 'IS!ERIES

Sec)*o4 6. Commercial Fishin 4essel #icense and Other #icenses.& No person shall operate a co''ercialfishin# essel, pearl fishin# essel or fishin# essel for scientific, research or e!ucational purposes, or en#a#e inan) fisher) actiit), or see4 e'plo)'ent as a fishwor4er or pearl !ier without first securin# a license fro' the-epart'ent, the perio! of which shall "e prescri"e! ") the -epart'ent3 Proi!e!, +hat no such license shall "ere(uire! of a fishin# essel en#a#e! in scientific, research or e!ucational purposes within Philippine waterspursuant to an international a#ree'ent of which the Philippines is a si#nator) an! which a#ree'ent !efines the

status, priile#es an! o"li#ations of sai! essel an! its crew an! the non&ilipino officials of the international a#enc)un!er which sai! essel operates3 Proi!e!, further, +hat 'e'"ers of the crew of a fishin# essel use! forco''ercial fishin# e%cept the !ul) license! an!Bor authorie! patrons, 'arine en#ineers, ra!io operators an! coo4sshall "e consi!ere! as fisherfol43 Proi!e!, further'ore, +hat all s4ippersB'aster fishers shall "e re(uire! toun!erta4e an orientation trainin# on !etection of fish cau#ht ") ille#al 'eans "efore the) can "e issue! theirfishwor4er licenses3 Proi!e!, finall), +hat the lar#e co''ercial fishin# essels license herein authorie! to "e#rante! shall allow the licensee to operate onl) in Philippine waters seen 617 or 'ore fatho's !eep, the !epth to"e certifie! ") the NAMRIA, an! su"5ect to the con!itions that 'a) "e state! therein an! the rules an! re#ulationsthat 'a) "e pro'ul#ate! ") the -epart'ent.

Sec)*o4 7. Persons $lii%le for Commercial Fishin 4essel #icense.& No co''ercial fishin# essel licenseshall "e issue! e%cept to citiens of the Philippines, partnerships or to associations, cooperaties or corporations!ul) re#istere! in the Philippines at least si%t) percent 62?7 of the capital stoc4 of which is owne! ") ilipino

citiens. No person to who' a license has "een issue! shall sell, transfer or assi#n, !irectl) or in!irectl), his stoc4 orinterest therein to an) person not (ualifie! to hol! a license. An) such transfer, sale or assi#n'ent shall "e null an!oi! an! shall not "e re#istere! in the "oo4s of the association, cooperatie or corporation.

or purposes of co''ercial fishin#, fishin# essels owne! ") citiens of the Philippines, partnerships, corporations,cooperaties or associations (ualifie! un!er this section shall secure Certificates of Philippine Re#istr) an! suchother !ocu'ents as are necessar) for fishin# operations fro' the concerne! a#encies3 Proi!e!, +hat theco''ercial fishin# essel license shall "e ali! for a perio! to "e !eter'ine! ") the -epart'ent.


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Sec)*o4 /. Commercial Fishin 4essel !eistration.& +he re#istration, !ocu'entation, inspection an! 'annin#of the operation of all t)pes of fishin# essels pl)in# Philippine waters shall "e in accor!ance with laws, rules an!re#ulations.

Sec)*o4 9. !eistration and #icensin of Fishin 0ears Used in Commercial Fishin.& . an infor'ation ca'pai#n shall "e con!ucte! to pro'ote the capa"ilit) "uil!in# an! cre!itpro#ra's. +he ca'pai#n shall ensure #reater infor'ation !isse'ination an! accessi"ilit) to tar#ete!fisherfol4.


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Sec)*o4 3. 'ncentives for Commercial Fishers to Fish Farther into the $-cl"sive $conomic one.& In or!er toencoura#e fishin# essel operators to fish farther in the EED an! "e)on!, new incenties for i'proe'ent of fishin#essels an! ac(uisition of fishin# e(uip'ent shall "e #rante! in a!!ition to incenties alrea!) aaila"le fro' the?7 + or 'ore shall hae as a 'e'"er of its crew a person (ualifie! as a first ai!er!ul) certifie! ") the Philippine National Re! Cross.

Sec)*o4 3/. !eportorial !e("irements.& Each co''ercial fishin# essel shall 4eep a !ail) recor! of fish catchan! spoila#e, lan!in# points, an! (uantit) an! alue of fish cau#ht, an! off&loa!e! for transship'ent, sale an!Borother !isposal. -etaile! infor'ation shall "e !ul) certifie! ") the essel:s captain an! trans'itte! 'onthl) to the

officer or representatie of the -epart'ent, at the nearest !esi#nate! lan!in# point.

Sec)*o4 39. !eport of ,eteoroloical and Other Data.& All essels an! crafts passin# nai#ational lanes oren#a#e! in fisheries actiit) shall "e re(uire! to contri"ute to 'eteorolo#ical an! other !ata, an! shall assist the-epart'ent in !ocu'entation or reportin# of infor'ation ital to nai#ation an! the fishin# in!ustr).

Sec)*o4 -0. Color Code and !adio Fre("ency.& or a!'inistratie efficienc) an! enforce'ent of re#ulations,re#istere! fishin# essels shall "ear a color co!e as 'a) "e !eter'ine! ") the -epart'ent an! 'a) "e assi#ne! ara!io fre(uenc) specific an! !istinct to its area of operation.

Sec)*o4 -1. Passae.& Co''ercial an! other passa#e not in the re#ular con!uct of fisheries actiit) shall "e 'a!eat !esi#nate! nai#ational lanes.

Sec)*o4 -. Transshipment.& orei#n fishin# essels wishin# to aail of lan!, air an! sea facilities aaila"le in thePhilippines to transport fisher) pro!ucts which are cau#ht outsi!e Philippine territorial waters to its final !estinationshall call onl) at !ul) !esi#nate! #oern'ent&owne! or &controlle! re#ional fishport co'ple%es after securin#clearance fro' the -epart'ent.

Sec)*o4 -3. Operation of !adio Comm"nication Facilities on 5oard Fishin 4essels.& +he -epart'ent shallpro'ul#ate #ui!elines in the operation of ra!io co''unication facilities on "oar! fishin# essels an! theassi#n'ent of ra!io fre(uencies specific an! !istinct to area of operation in coor!ination with the National+eleco''unications Co''ission.


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Sec)*o4 --. Use of &"perliht.& +he nu'"er an! watta#e of superli#hts use! in co''ercial fishin# essels shall"e re#ulate! ") the -epart'ent3 Proi!e!, +hat the use of superli#hts is "anne! within 'unicipal waters an! "a)s.

ARTICLE IIIAUACULTURE

Sec)*o4 -. Disposition of P"%lic #ands for Fishery P"rposes.& Pu"lic lan!s such as ti!al swa'ps, 'an#roes,'arshes, foreshore lan!s an! pon!s suita"le for fisher) operations shall not "e !ispose! or alienate!. ;poneffectiit) of this Co!e, 9A 'a) "e issue! for pu"lic lan!s that 'a) "e !eclare! aaila"le for fishpon! !eelop'ent

pri'aril) to (ualifie! fisherfol4 cooperatiesBassociations3 Proi!e!, howeer, +hat upon the e%piration of e%istin#9As the current lessees shall "e #ien priorit) an! "e entitle! to an e%tension of twent)&fie 6>7 )ears in theutiliation of their respectie lease! areas. +hereafter, such 9As shall "e #rante! to an) ilipino citien withpreference, pri'aril) to (ualifie! fisherfol4 cooperatiesBassociations as well as s'all an! 'e!iu' enterprises as!efine! un!er Repu"lic Act No. 8>803 Proi!e!, further, +hat the -epart'ent shall !eclare as reseration, portionsof aaila"le pu"lic lan!s certifie! as suita"le for fishpon! purposes for fish sanctuar), conseration, an! ecolo#icalpurposes3 Proi!e!, finall), +hat two 6>7 )ears after the approal of this Act, no fish pens or fish ca#es or fish trapsshall "e allowe! in la4es.

Sec)*o4 -6. #ease of Fishponds.& ishpon! lease! to (ualifie! persons an! fisherfol4 or#aniationsBcooperatiesshall "e su"5ect to the followin# con!itions3

6a7 Areas lease! for fishpon! purposes shall "e no 'ore than ? hectares for in!ii!uals an! >? hectaresfor corporations or fisherfol4 or#aniations$

6"7 +he lease shall "e for a perio! of twent)&fie 6>7 )ears an! renewa"le for another twent)&fie 6>7 )earsProi!e!, +hat in case of the !eath of the lessee, his spouse an!Bor chil!ren, as his heirs, shall haepree'ptie ri#hts to the une%pire! ter' of his ishpon! 9ease A#ree'ent su"5ect to the sa'e ter's an!con!itions proi!e! herein proi!e! that the sai! heirs are (ualifie!$

6c7 9ease rates for fishpon! areas shall "e !eter'ine! ") the -epart'ent3 Proi!e!, +hat all fees collecte!shall "e re'itte! to the National isheries Research an! -eelop'ent Institute an! other (ualifie! researchinstitutions to "e use! for a(uaculture research !eelop'ent$

6!7 +he area lease! shall "e !eelope! an! pro!ucin# on a co''ercial scale within three 6=7 )ears fro' theapproal of the lease contract3 Proi!e!, howeer, +hat all areas not full) pro!ucin# within fie 67 )earsfro' the !ate of approal of the lease contract shall auto'aticall) reert to the pu"lic !o'ain forreforestation$

6e7 +he fishpon! shall not "e su"lease!, in whole or in part, an! failure to co'pl) with this proision shall'ean cancellation of 9A$

6f7 +he transfer or assi#n'ent of ri#hts to 9A shall "e allowe! onl) upon prior written approal of the-epart'ent$

6#7 +he lessee shall un!erta4e reforestation for rier "an4s, "a)s, strea's, an! seashore frontin# the !i4e of

his fishpon! su"5ect to the rules an! re#ulations to "e pro'ul#ate! thereon$ an!

6h7 +he lessee shall proi!e facilities that will 'ini'ie eniron'ental pollution, i.e., settlin# pon!s,reseroirs, etc3 Proi!e!, +hat failure to co'pl) with this proision shall 'ean cancellation of 9A.

Sec)*o4 -7. Code of Practice for A("ac"lt"re.& +he -epart'ent shall esta"lish a co!e of practice for a(uaculturethat will outline #eneral principles an! #ui!elines for eniron'entall)&soun! !esi#n an! operation to pro'ote thesustaina"le !eelop'ent of the in!ustr). Such Co!e shall "e !eelope! throu#h a consultatie process with the-ENR, the fishwor4ers, 9A hol!ers, fishpon! owners, fisherfol4 cooperaties, s'all&scale operators, researchinstitutions an! the aca!e'e, an! other potential sta4ehol!ers. +he -epart'ent 'a) consult with specialie!international or#aniations in the for'ulation of the co!e of practice.


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Sec)*o4 -/. 'ncentives and Disincentives for &"staina%le A("ac"lt"re Practices.& +he -epart'ent shallfor'ulate incenties an! !isincenties, such as, "ut not li'ite! to, effluent char#es, user fees an! ne#otia"leper'its, to encoura#e co'pliance with the eniron'ental stan!ar!s an! to pro'ote sustaina"le 'ana#e'entpractices.

Sec)*o4 -9. !eversion of All A%andoned) Undeveloped or Under"tili2ed Fishponds.& +he -ENR, incoor!ination with the -epart'ent, 9;s, other concerne! a#encies an! ARMCs shall !eter'ine whicha"an!one!, un!er!eelope! or un!erutilie! fishpon!s coere! ") 9As can "e reerte! to their ori#inal 'an#roestate an! after hain# 'a!e such !eter'ination shall ta4e all steps necessar) to restore such areas in their ori#inal

'an#roe state.

Sec)*o4 0.A%sentee Fishpond #ease Areement olders.& Hol!ers of fishpon! lease a#ree'ents who haeac(uire! citienship in another countr) !urin# the e%istence of the 9A shall hae their lease auto'aticall)cancelle! an! the i'proe'ents thereon to "e forfeite! in faor of the #oern'ent an! !ispose! of in accor!ancewith rules an! re#ulations pro'ul#ate! thereon.

Sec)*o4 1. #icense to Operate Fish Pens) Fish Caes) Fish Traps and Other &tr"ct"res for the C"lt"re ofFish and Other Fishery Prod"cts.& ish pens, fish ca#es, fish traps an! other structures for the culture of fish an!other fisher) pro!ucts shall "e constructe! an! shall operate onl) within esta"lishe! ones !ul) !esi#nate! ")9;s in consultation with the ARMCs concerne! consistent with national fisheries policies after the correspon!in#licenses thereof hae "een secure!. +he area to "e utilie! for this purpose for in!ii!ual person shall "e

!eter'ine! ") the 9;s in consultation with the concerne! ARMC3 Proi!e!, howeer, +hat not oer ten percent6/?7 of the suita"le water surface area of all la4es an! riers shall "e allotte! for a(uaculture purposes li4e fishpens, fish ca#es an! fish traps$ an! the stoc4in# !ensit) an! fee!in# re(uire'ent which shall "e controlle! an!!eter'ine! ") its carr)in# capacit)3 Proi!e!, further, +hat fish pens an! fish ca#es locate! outsi!e 'unicipalwaters shall "e constructe! an! operate! onl) within fish pen an! fish ca#e "elts !esi#nate! ") the -epart'ent an!after correspon!in# licenses therefor hae "een secure! an! the fees thereof pai!.

Sec)*o4 . Pearl Farm #eases.& +he fore#oin# proisions notwithstan!in#, e%istin# pearl far' leases shall "erespecte! an! allowe! to operate un!er the ter's thereof. New leases 'a) "e #rante! to (ualifie! persons whopossess the necessar) capital an! technolo#), ") the 9;s hain# 5uris!iction oer the area.

Sec)*o4 3. 0rant of Privilees for Operations of Fish Pens) Caes) Corrals/Traps and &imilar &tr"ct"res.&No new concessions, licenses, per'its, leases an! si'ilar priile#es for the esta"lish'ent or operation of fish pens,fish ca#es, fish corralsBtraps an! other si'ilar structures in 'unicipal areas shall "e #rante! e%cept to 'unicipalfisherfol4 an! their or#aniations.

Sec)*o4 -. 'ns"rance for Fishponds) Fish Caes and Fish Pens.& Inlan! fishpon!s, fish ca#es an! fish pensshall "e coere! un!er the insurance pro#ra' of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation for losses cause! ")force 'a5eure an! fortuitous eents.

Sec)*o4 . 6on7O%str"ction to 6aviation.& Nothin# in the fore#oin# sections shall "e construe! as per'ittin#the lessee, licensee, or per'ittee to un!erta4e an) construction which will o"struct the free nai#ation in an)strea', rier, la4es, or "a)s flowin# throu#h or a!5oinin# the fish pens, fish ca#es, fish traps an! fishpon!s, ori'pe!e the flow of the ti!e to an! fro' the area. An) construction 'a!e in iolation hereof shall "e re'oe! uponthe or!er of the -epart'ent in coor!ination with the other #oern'ent a#encies concerne! at the e%pense of the

lessee, licensee, or occupants thereof, wheneer applica"le. +he -epart'ent shall within thirt) 6=?7 !a)s after theeffectiit) of this Co!e for'ulate an! i'ple'ent rules an! re#ulations for the i''e!iate !is'antlin# of e%istin#o"struction to nai#ation.

Sec)*o4 6. 6on7O%str"ction to Defined ,iration Paths.& Nothin# in the fore#oin# sections shall "e construe!as per'ittin# the lessee, per'ittee, or licensee to un!erta4e an) construction which will o"struct an) !efine!'i#ration path of 'i#rator) fish species such as rier 'ouths an! estuaries with a !istance !eter'ine! ") theconcerne! 9;s in consultation with an! upon the reco''en!ation of the ARMCs.

Sec)*o4 7. !eistration of Fish atcheries and Private Fishponds) etc.& All fish hatcheries, fish "ree!in#facilities an! priate fishpon!s 'ust "e re#istere! with the 9;s which shall prescri"e 'ini'u' stan!ar!s for suchfacilities in consultation with the -epart'ent3 Proi!e!, +hat the -epart'ent shall con!uct a )earl) inentor) of all


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fishpon!s, fish pens an! fish ca#es whether in pu"lic or priate lan!s3 Proi!e!, further, +hat all fishpon!, fish pensan! fish ca#e operators shall annuall) report to the -epart'ent the t)pe of species an! olu'e of pro!uction inareas !eote! to a(uaculture.

ARTICLE I$PST?!AR$EST 'ACILITIES, ACTI$ITIES AND TRADES

Sec)*o4 /. Comprehensive Post7harvest and Ancillary 'nd"stries Plan.& +he -epart'ent shall con!uct are#ular stu!) of fisheries post&harest operations an! ancillar) in!ustries, in the for'ulation of a co'prehensie

plan for post&harest an! ancillar) in!ustries. It shall ta4e into account a'on# others, the followin#3

6a7 !etaile! an! clear #ui!elines on the !istri"ution, construction, 'aintenance an! use of post&harestinfrastructure facilities$

6"7 e%tension of cre!it an! incenties for post&harest operations$

6c7 pro'otion an! stren#thenin# of se'i&processin#, processin# an! han!lin#$

6!7 !eelop'ent of !o'estic fish'eal in!ustr)$

6e7 !eelop'ent of fisheries ship&"uil!in# an! repair as a ia"le in!ustr)$

6f7 !eelop'ent an! stren#thenin# of 'ar4etin# facilities an! actiities, inclu!in# the pricin# s)ste', withe'phasis on collectie 'ar4etin# an! the eli'ination of 'i!!le'en$

6#7 increase! participation of cooperaties an! nonoern'ental or#aniations in post&harest operationsan! ancillar) in!ustries$ an!

6h7 inte#ration of fisheries post&harest operations into the national fisheries plan.

Sec)*o4 9. $sta%lishment of Post7arvest Facilities for Fishin Comm"nities.& +he 9;s shall coor!inatewith the priate sector an! other concerne! a#encies an! ARMCs in the esta"lish'ent of post&harest facilities forfishin# co''unities such as, "ut not li'ite! to, 'unicipal fish lan!in# sites, fish ports, ice plants an! col! stora#ean! other fish processin# esta"lish'ents to

blue laws concerning coastal laws

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