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IMPLEMENTATION OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10654 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “AN ACT TO PREVENT, DETER AND ELIMINATE ILLEGAL, UNREPORTED AND UNREGULATED FISHING”, FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND
COASTAL PROTECTION IN THE 3RD DISTRICT OF ALBAY

MARIA MARGARITA V. DE ASIS

Bicol College

ABSTRACT

The study assessed the implementation of Republic Act No. 10654, which addresses illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the 3rd District of Albay. The objectives were to evaluate the law’s mandate, prohibitions, penalties, and the roles of implementing agencies and identify enforcement challenges. A descriptive research design was employed, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data were collected through surveys and interviews with local fishermen, PNP officers, and the PNP Maritime Group. Findings revealed that while the legal framework of RA 10654 was adequate, significant challenges hindered its enforcement. These included limited patrol resources, inconsistent application of penalties, and low community awareness of the law. Additionally, gaps in coordination between agencies were identified, further impeding effective enforcement. Despite these issues, some progress was made in law enforcement, though accomplishments were limited by resource constraints. The study concluded that improved inter-agency collaboration, enhanced resource allocation, and targeted educational programs for the local community are necessary to strengthen the law’s implementation. An intervention plan was proposed to address these challenges and ensure more effective enforcement, ultimately contributing to sustainable fisheries management in the region.

Keywords: Illegal Fishing, Prohibited Acts, Law Enforcement, R.A 10654, Penalties

 

INTRODUCTION

Illegal fishing cannot be solely addressed through better fisheries management practices and strengthened legislation. Both administrative and criminal sanctions can be adopted to tackle illegal fishing. National fisheries legislation generally permits administrative and criminal enforcement approaches against illegal fishing. To address illegal fishing, multipronged legal solutions are needed like criminalizing serious fisheries violations.

Humans depend extensively on fish as a significant source of animal protein in their daily lives, even though future global food security is a major issue. The demand for fish protein is still increasing owing to the massive expansion of the global population; however, many of the world’s fish populations are already degraded and unable to provide maximum sustainable production (Mozumder, 2023).

Republic Act No. 10654 is an act to prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, amending Republic Act no. 8550, otherwise known as "the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998," and for other purposes which acts to ensure the rational and sustainable development, management and conservation of the fishery and aquatic resources in Philippine waters including the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the adjacent high seas, consistent with the primordial objective of maintaining a sound ecological balance, protecting and enhancing the quality of the environment. The Philippines shall pursue its commitment to international conventions and cooperate with other states and international bodies, to conserve and manage threatened, aquatic species, straddling and highly migratory fish stocks and other living marine resources and To adopt the precautionary principle and manage fishery and aquatic resources, in a manner consistent with the concept of an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management and integrated coastal area management in specific natural fishery management areas, appropriately supported by research, technical services and guidance provided by the State.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) turned over 12 motorized boats to the Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) on Monday aimed at strengthening the government’s fight against illegal fishing in the Bicol region. Before the turnover, the two parties signed a memorandum of agreement to form a joint task force that would carry out the fight against poaching. Police Maj. Malu Calubaquib, PRO-5 spokesperson, said the task force dubbed "Kasurog Sea Rangers" (KSR) will conduct anti-illegal fishing and other law enforcement operations (Calipay, 2023).

Within this year 2023, there are eighty-seven (87) recorded cases of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing) within the area of West Cost in Albay.

This study includes the effects of illegal fishing as an environmental crime within the community as the researchers of this study are trying to assess it and how law enforcement implements and enforces the law on violation of environmental laws that protect our mother nature. This will also allow the readers to identify the possible effects.

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