Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 emphasis on Prohibitions and Penalties

Section 82

In recognition of the important role of fisheries research in the development, management, conservation and protection of the country’s fisheries and aquatic resources, there is hereby created a National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI). The Institute shall form part of the National Research and Development Network of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The Institute, which shall be attached to the Department shall serve as the primary research arm of the BFAR. The overall governance of the Institute shall be vested in the Governing Board which shall formulate policy guidelines for its operation. The plans, programs and operational budget shall be passed by the Board. The Board may create such committees as it may deem necessary for the proper and effective performance of its functions. The composition of the Governing Board shall be as follows: a. Undersecretary for Fisheries — Chairman b. BFAR Director — Vice Chairman c. NFRDI Executive Director — Member d. PCAMRD Executive Director — Member e. Representative from the academe — Member f. four (4) representatives from the private sector who shall come from the following subsectors: — Members * Municipal Fisherfolk * Commercial Fishing Operator * Aquaculture Operator * Post-Harvest/Processor The NFRDI shall have a separate budget specific to its manpower requirements and operations to ensure the independent and objective implementation of its research activities.

Section 83

The Institute shall be headed by an Executive Director to be appointed by the President of the Philippines upon the recommendation of the governing board. The Executive Director shall hold a Doctorate degree in fisheries and/or other related disciplines. The organizational structure and staffing pattern shall be approved by the Department: Provided, however, That the staffing pattern and remunerations for scientific and technical staff shall be based on the qualification standards for science and technology personnel.

Section 84

Researches to be done by the NFRDI are expected to result in the following: a. To raise the income of the fisherfolk and to elevate the Philippines among the top five (5) in the world ranking in the fish productions; b.to make the country’s fishing industry in the high seas competitive; c. to conduct social research on fisherfolk families for a better understanding of their conditions and needs; and d.to coordinate with the fisheries schools, LGUs and private sectors regarding the maximum utilization of available technology, including the transfer of such technology to the industry particularly the fisherfolk.

Section 85

As a national institute, the NFRDI shall have the following functions: a. establish a national infrastructure unit complete with technologically-advanced features and modern scientific equipment, which shall facilitate, monitor, and implement various research needs and activities of the fisheries sector; b. provide a venue for intensive training and development of human resources in the field of fisheries, a repository of all fisheries researches and scientific information; c. provide intensive training and development of human resources in the field of fisheries for the maximum utilization of available technology; d. hasten the realization of the economic potential of the fisheries sector by maximizing developmental research efforts in accordance with the requirements of the national fisheries conservations and development programs, also possibly through collaborative effort with international institutions; and e. formally establish, strengthen and expand the network of fisheries-researching communities through effective communication linkages nationwide.