Overview
This lecture covers Republic Act 10654 and its key sections on regulating aquatic pollution, fisheries, aquaculture, and the protection of aquatic species in the Philippines. It also highlights penalties, technical committee roles, and business/career opportunities in fisheries.
Aquaculture and Fisheries Overview
- Aquaculture is the controlled breeding, rearing, and harvesting of aquatic organisms in various water environments for consumption.
- Fish capture technology involves catching aquatic animals using vessels that transport cargo at sea.
- Fisheries include both fish capture and aquaculture, contributing to nutrition and industry.
- The Philippines has diverse fish species, supporting varied career and business opportunities in the sector.
Republic Act 10654: Key Provisions
- RA 10654 regulates aquaculture, fish capture, and addresses aquatic pollution with strict penalties.
- Pollution of aquatic environments is illegal, with fines of 300,000–500,000 Cuban pesos, plus daily penalties until compliance.
- Criminal penalties include imprisonment (6–12 years) and fines double the administrative amount.
- Cease and desist orders and facility closures can occur pending case resolution.
Technical Committee Roles (Sec. 107)
- The committee assesses environmental damage, health risks, and monitors compliance with rehabilitation plans.
- Members include representatives from environmental, marine, and academic agencies.
Good Aquaculture Practices (Sec. 11)
- Breeding and farming must follow environmentally sound guidelines; non-compliance leads to fines (10,000–100,000 Cuban pesos/day) and imprisonment (3 years).
Fishing Gear Restrictions (Sec. 93)
- Fine mesh nets below department standards are illegal unless licensed for specific uses.
- Offenders face fines (20,000–200,000 Cuban pesos depending on scale), gear confiscation, community service, and imprisonment (6 months–2 years).
Overexploited Fishery Management Areas (Sec. 94)
- Fishing in declared overexploited areas is banned.
- Penalties include confiscation, fines (scale-based or dependent on catch value), imprisonment (6 months–6 years), and license cancellation.
- Regular resource assessments determine overexploited areas.
Protection of Rare, Threatened, or Endangered Species (Sec. 102)
- Prohibits fishing, trading, or transporting species listed in CITES Appendix I or designated as threatened.
- Severe penalties: fines (up to 5 million Cuban pesos), imprisonment (up to 20 years), and forfeiture of catch and permits.
- Similar penalties apply to CITES Appendices II and III and captive-bred species released in the wild.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Aquaculture — Controlled cultivation of aquatic organisms for human use.
- Fisheries — Industry relating to breeding, catching, and processing fish and other aquatic life.
- RA 10654 — Philippine law governing fisheries and aquatic resource protection.
- Fine mesh net — Fishing nets with mesh smaller than allowed by law.
- Overexploited area — A region where fish stocks are depleted due to excessive fishing.
- CITES — Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species; regulates trade in endangered organisms.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review RA 10654 sections discussed, especially on aquatic pollution and penalties.
- Study the diversity of fish species and career opportunities in fisheries.
- Prepare for a quiz on prohibited practices and penalties under RA 10654.