It has come to our attention that a number of researchers have been collecting aquatic wildlife for scientific researches without first securing the necessary permits from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

Pursuant to Section 23 of Republic Act No. 9147 or the “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act”, collection of threatened wildlife including its by-products and derivatives shall be allowed only for the accredited individuals, business, research, educational or scientific entities for scientific, or breeding or propagation purposes.

Fisheries Administrative Order No. 233 (Aquatic Wildlife Conservation) also states that collection and utilization of biological resources for scientific research shall be allowed upon execution of an undertaking/agreement with and the issuance of a Gratuitous permit (GP) by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture or the BFAR Regional Director, as the case may be. GP is the privilege given to an individual, academic, research institution or organization to capture/harvest and transport aquatic wildlife species from the natural habitat for scientific and other authorized purposes.

In connection with this, BFAR Fisheries Regulatory and Licensing Division – Aquatic Wildlife Regulatory Section (FRLD-AWRS) is mandated to facilitate the issuance of the GP for purposes allowed by law. As such, we reiterate, because it bears repeating, that there is a need to secure first the necessary GP for the collection of aquatic wildlife for the conduct of scientific researches, thesis, and dissertations. R.A. No. 9147 and FAO No. 233 will provide the corresponding fines and penalties for failure to do so.

For queries or concerns, you may reach out to: wildliferegulations.bfarfrqd@gmail.com.