Overview
This lesson covers Republic Act No. 10,654, the amendment to the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, focusing on regulating fisheries, key provisions, penalties, and sustainable practices.
Content Standards & Objectives
- Learners understand concepts and skills in fisheries and food processing.
- Learners perform fisheries skills safely and develop product labels.
- Objectives include explaining RA 10,654's importance, identifying provisions and penalties, and appreciating sustainable fishing.
Key Provisions of RA 10,654
- RA 10,654 amends the Philippine Fisheries Code to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IU) fishing.
- The act imposes stricter penalties, including fines and imprisonment for IU fishing.
- Mandates vessel monitoring systems to track fishing activities.
- Enforces port state measures to prevent illegal catch from entering markets.
- Promotes sustainable fishing to protect marine biodiversity.
- Aligns with international agreements like the UN Fish Stocks Agreement and FAO Code of Conduct.
Scope of Enforcement
- Applies to all Philippine waters, the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and continental shelf.
- Covers all aquatic and fishery resources, including inland, coastal, offshore, fishponds, and pens.
- Includes private and public lands used for aquaculture or related businesses.
- Enforces rules on Philippine-flagged vessels in regional or international waters.
Import/Export Regulations & Penalties
- Requires documentation, safety, and quality standards for imported/exported fish.
- Violations result in administrative fines (5x value or ₱300,000–₱500,000) and forfeiture of species.
- Criminal penalties: 8 years imprisonment, double fines, forfeiture, and business bans.
- Shipping companies must submit documents within 5 days to cooperate fully during investigations.
Lesson Activities
- Fill-in-the-blank sentences to reinforce key concepts.
- Create a one-line slogan to promote stopping illegal fishing.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Aquaculture — cultivation of fish and aquatic species in various water environments.
- Aquatic Pollution — harmful substances or energy introduced to water bodies, affecting resources and health.
- Endangered/Rare/Threatened Species — aquatic species at risk of extinction as defined by law.
- Fine Mesh Nets — nets with mesh size under 3 cm, regulated by authorities.
- Illegal Fishing — fishing that violates Philippine, international, or coastal state laws.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Complete the fill-in-the-blank activity and slogan creation.
- Review key sections and penalties of RA 10,654.
- Prepare for discussion on sustainable fishing practices.