The Internal Audit Unit shall conduct management and operations audit of the Bureau’s functions, programs, projects; review and appraise systems and procedures; and advise the Director on all matters relating to management control and operations audit of the Bureau. By and large, it shall ensure that all processes and procedures are aligned with Government rules and regulations.

The Office for Special Concerns (OSC) was created by virtue of DA Special Order No. 481, series of 2017. The unit shall advise the BFAR Director on special matters and concerns affecting the utilization, management, development, conservation and protection of fishery resources and other special concerns as may be determined by the Director. The OSC is also responsible in the implementation and monitoring of the following programs and projects: Nationwide Fisheries Scholarship Program (FSP); BFAR’s Commitments to the DA Secretary’s Biyaheng Bukid Program; and Implementation of BFAR’s Plan of Action for Senior Citizens, Persons with Disabilities, Indigenous People, and the Youth.

Aside from these programs and projects, the office shall also be in charge of overseeing the mainstreaming of Gender and Development (GAD) in all fisheries programs in the BFAR Central and Regional Fisheries Offices; development of the Policy on Good Working Conditions in the fisheries sector in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment; and other special assignments as may be determined by the Bureau Director.

The Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement Group shall enforce fishery laws, rules and regulations governing the conservation and management of fishery resources. It shall coordinate and oversee the regional and inter-regional fishery law enforcement operations and ensure that the protocols are strictly observed.

The FPLEG shall implement boarding and inspection protocols upon Philippine flagged fishing vessels in order to promote observance to international treaty obligations on food safety, to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUUF) and to comply with conservation and management measures, to include the conduct of investigation proceedings, issuance of Notice of Violation and filing of Administrative Complaint. It shall support in the implementation of the Port State Measure Agreement (PSMA). It shall gather incident and intel reports, analyze and prepare for issuance of notification any detection of IUU fishing from the Vessel Monitoring Center, remote sensing and other satellite-based tools. It shall take active role/quick response during fish kills, calamities and disasters and establish Incident Command Center. It shall provide support, implement and enforce aquatic wildlife regulations; assist in Bantay – Presyo of the Department of Agriculture; assist the monitoring of imported fish and fishery products; and file administrative complaints to violators when necessary; and coordinate with other government law enforcement agencies in the performance of assigned tasks.

The Administrative Division shall be responsible for the administrative management operations of BFAR on human resource, property, records, general services and cash management. It shall exercise supervision over the operation and management of the Division; submit policy recommendations to the Director as it relates to general administrative services and functions; implement office policies, laws, rules and regulations issued by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and other authorities relating to general administration services and functions; provide advisory services to the Director as well as other officials and employees on general administrative services; and develop administrative systems and procedures for the Central Office, the Centers and the Regional Offices.

The Human Resource Management Section (HRMS) shall develop, maintain and implement policies, plans and programs on human resource management. It shall perform the following general functions: recruitment, selection and placement process; performance management; rewards and recognition; and learning and development and other Human Resource Actions.

The Property Section shall develop, maintain and implement policies, plans and programs on supply and property management; and formulate and recommend measures for the most effective utilization of the assets/properties of the Bureau. Specifically, it shall include the procurement of common office supplies, materials and equipment; take custody of properties, supplies and equipment of the Bureau; conduct periodic inventories and proper disposal of the same; and analyze reports prior to submission to concerned agencies/offices.

The Records Section shall implement policies and guidelines for the efficient and effective records management and archival administration; provide messengerial and liaison services; safeguard the official records and seal of the Bureau; establish, implement and maintain an organized internal records disposition program; authenticate official records; and represent the Bureau in the presentation of documents required by the courts and other administrative bodies.

The General Services Section (GSS) shall develop, maintain and implement policies, plans and programs on Bureau’s motor vehicle dispatching and management, cleanliness and upkeep of the dormitory and buildings, the premises including equipment and utilities’ repair and maintenance, and the janitorial and security services. It shall provide and coordinate security guarding services for BFAR which include the prevention of theft, fire, damage, accident, unlawful entry, and similar hazards on buildings and other properties, and the routinary watching and guarding of the premises ; provide and coordinate janitorial and general utility services for the Bureau which include cleaning the offices, toilets and closets, buildings and grounds; keeping office equipment and furniture clean and orderly; collecting and disposing of waste; and related activities; and manage the transportation facilities of the Bureau.

The Cashier Section shall develop, maintain and implement policies, plans and programs on cash and collection management. It directly supervises daily cash balances and daily disbursements; prepares, withdraws and facilitates payments of salaries and wages including such other economic benefits of BFAR employees; remit data collections to LBP collected from the clientele such as payment of rental of fishpond, return of cash advances, licenses, laboratory analysis and others; prepares and facilitate checks issuance; prepares monthly reports of collection, checks issued, disbursements and monthly accountabilities; submission of reports to Accounting Section/COA; prepares SLOCI for submission to DBM; Files in systematic and orderly manner, vouchers and orders of payment; transmittal of Notice of Transfer Allocation (NTA) or cash documents to Regional Offices, Local Government Units and other Government agencies as required by law and other regulations and agency directives.

The BFAR Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) shall efficiently and effectively implement Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act and its implementing rules and regulations as well as improve and strengthen BFAR’s procurement process.

The BAC shall be assisted by a secretariat composed of three (3) sections namely, Small Value Procurement, Public Bidding, and Monitoring and Administrative Sections.

The Small Value Procurement Section shall handle the posting and processing of Purchase Requests (PR) amounting below Php 1 Million and Alternative Methods of Procurement. They shall also be in charge of the preparation of the Abstract of Quotation (AOQ) and Purchase Order (PO).

The Public Bidding Section shall handle the posting and processing of PR amounting to more than Php 1 Million. They shall also prepare the Bidding Documents and assist in the conduct of Public Bidding activities.

The Monitoring and Administrative Section shall prepare and facilitate the submission of documents (PMR, APCPI, APP) as required by the Government Procurement Policy Board and Department of Budget and Management.

The Finance and Management Division (FMD) shall be responsible for all budgetary and financial management activities of the Bureau. It is composed of two sections, namely the Budget Section and the Accounting Section.

The Budget Section shall prepare and consolidate the over-all budget proposal and the financial requirements and other supporting documents of all the projects, programs and activities of the Bureau; attend to series of budget deliberations in the Department of Agriculture (DA), DBM and in Congress, and defend the propriety of the budget, make adjustments as required by the Congress; perform all other related activities until the approval of the budget and the release of the General Appropriations Act; and finally, ensure that the obligations incurred are in line with the work and financial plan.

The Accounting Section shall process all disbursement vouchers, purchase orders and other claims against the financial resources of the Bureau; maintain subsidiary records of all funds; and summarize financial transactions and consolidate financial and accountability reports to be submitted to government oversight bodies.

The Legal Division is one of the vital divisions under the Administrative Support Services. Foremost, it shall be the central and main provider of the legal and advisory services of BFAR to include other government agencies and stakeholders such as the fisherfolks, private sectors and the academe as well. Fundamentally, the Legal Division shall support the entire BFAR operations, by and large in the field of legal concerns and issues pertaining to fisheries. Under the new Organizational Structure, the Legal Division is composed of three (3) significant sections that tough grind and provide legal and advisory services, viz:

The Research and Advisory Section shall provide legal and advisory services, through the preparation of position papers and legal opinions; review and study Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and other legal documents; assist in the formulation and review of Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO), Joint Administrative Order (JAO), and Fisheries Office Orders (FOO), and other similar office orders; and render legal assistance on fisheries related issues.

The Fishery Rights and Adjudication Section shall conduct formal investigation on administrative cases against erring employees of the Bureau and draft corresponding orders/resolutions; adjudicate on conflicting rights of parties to a Fishpond Lease Agreement or its application not falling under the cognizance of the Adjudication Committee; and prepare pleadings for Commission on Audit cases referred to this Office.

The Fishery Laws and Regulations Section shall prepare pleadings and attend to hearings on cases pending before judicial courts (Civil and Criminal) and at the prosecutor’s office; provide assistance to the Office of the Solicitor General lawyers for civil cases filed in court by or against the BFAR; conduct fact-finding investigation on erring employees and other fishery related violations assigned to the Division; and render legal assistance to BFAR Fishery Law Enforcers in the filing and prosecution of cases and to BFAR employees who are summoned as court witnesses.

The Committee shall have jurisdiction to hear and decide administrative cases; determine and impose appropriate penalties as provided for under the Fisheries Code; approve settlement offers; dispose confiscated catch, gears, equipment and other paraphernalia; issue subpoenas, cease and desist orders, and summary ejectment orders; adjudicate conflicting rights of parties in Fishpond Lease Agreement (FLA) cases; and perform such other powers and functions inherent to or necessary in the exercise of its jurisdiction.

The Fisheries Planning and Economics Division (FPED) shall be responsible for planning, monitoring and evaluation, economic studies and analysis of growth and development of fishery sector and management of information system. The Division is composed of four (4) sections, each performing specific functions, to wit:

The Policy and Program Development Section, or PPD, shall formulate, integrate and package fisheries plans and programs to serve as translations of recommended policies; and prepare and update the Comprehensive National Fisheries Industry Development Plan, in consultation with various stakeholders, government entities, the private sector and other concerned institutions. The Section, in coordination with FMD Budget Section, shall consolidate and finalize the Bureau’s Annual Work and Financial Plan through the conduct of necessary preparatory activities. Further, the Section shall collaborate with national, regional and international agencies and organizations of fisheries affairs, technical cooperation and commitments.

The Fisheries Information Management Section or FIMS, shall establish, manage and operate the comprehensive fisheries information and monitoring control and surveillance system for the collection, storage and retrieval of fisheries data and information at the national, regional and local levels to stimulate the growth of the fishing industry; act as the repository of all fisheries statistics and data; coordinate with the National Computer Center (NCC) regarding the establishment and operation of the BFAR comprehensive fisheries information system; develop, manage, operate, and maintain an information system/database of various application systems of the Department of Agriculture and the BFAR; maintain the network infrastructure of the BFAR.

The Government –wide Medium Term Information and Communications Technology Harmonization Initiative (MITHI) evaluates the Bureau’s Information Systems Strategic Plan (ISSP)-a three year plan composed of the Bureau’s Organization Profile Strategic concerns for ICT Use, Presentation and Justifications of the current ICT situation (strategic challenges) through various information systems being maintained and developed by FIMS. It includes the BFAR Conceptual Framework and Network Diagram.

The Program Monitoring and Evaluation Section, or PMES, shall monitor, review and evaluate: a) fisheries policies, plans and programs for purposes of revising or updating the same in line with current trends and requirements; b) performance of all operating units in order to ensure that all the activities are conducted in line with their mandates and annual targets; and c) impacts of project implementation to beneficiaries. The Section shall also consolidate and analyze periodic reports for submission to oversight agencies.

The Fisheries Economics Section, or FES, shall Consolidate, prepare and process fisheries data and statistics including the conduct of data trend analyses to form bases in the formulation and recommendation of appropriate policies and programs for the utilization, management, development, conservation and allocation system of fisheries and aquatic resources. It shall also prepare and updates the Bureaus’ Annual Fisheries Profile in coordination with concerned government agencies and stakeholder. Moreover, it shall analyze current and relevant industry, economic, institutional and other related studies on the various aspects of fisheries as additional reference in policy and program formulation.

The Fisheries Regulatory and Licensing Division (FRLD) shall be responsible for the processing of gratuitous permits, MOU or MOA with academic or scientific institutions undertaking fisheries researches, and fishpond lease applications and the monitoring of the terms and conditions thereof.

It shall also be responsible for the issuance of catch certificate and fishing vessel and gear licenses for commercial fishing vessels to operate in Philippine and distant waters.

The FRLD has three (3) sections whose functions are mentioned below:

The Aquatic Wildlife Regulatory Section (AWRS) shall be responsible for the implementation of R.A. 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act) and its implementing rule, FAO 233 (Aquatic Wildlife Conservation). It shall process applications for Gratuitous Permits (GP) for the exploitation of fishery resources for experimental and research purposes and collection of specimens from their natural habitat.

The Fishpond Lease Section shall process applications for the issuance of Fishpond Lease Agreements (FLA), Aquasilviculture Stewardship Contracts (ASC) and Gratuitous Permits (GP); evaluate the application and the regulatory requirements submitted by the applicant, including the report of inspection and recommendation; and prepare the FLA/ASC/GP documents for endorsement by the Director to the DA Secretary for approval.

The Capture Fisheries Licensing Section shall be responsible for the issuance of Commercial Fishing Vessel License (CFVL), Commercial Fishing Gear License (CFGL), Gear Registration and International Fishing Permit (IFP), Special Fishing Permit (SFP) and Catch Certificate for fishery products bound for export to countries requiring the same.

The Fisheries Inspection and Quarantine Division (FIQD) shall be responsible for developing relevant policies and regulating, monitoring and issuance of clearances, permits and licenses on the domestic movement, import and export of fish and fishery/aquatic products. The FIQD shall also serve as the inspection and quarantine arm of the Bureau. The Office shall coordinate with the competent authorities and other relevant bodies pertaining to Sanitary and PhytoSanitary (SPS), biosecurity, bioterrorism, food safety, quality assurance and traceability system; be responsible for the development and implementation of a centralized database and information management system; and be responsible for the reporting of aquatic animal diseases in response to outbreaks.

The FIQD is composed of four (4) sections as follows: Fisheries Certification Section (FCS), Fisheries Quarantine Section (FQS), Fisheries Inspection Section (FIS) and Fisheries Audit Section (FAS) having interrelated processes and activities. The outputs of the FQS and FIS shall be the inputs of the FCS while the FAS shall conduct an internal audit on the system’s implementation of the division.

The Fisheries Certification Section (FCS) shall be responsible for the following activities: formulating policies and guidelines concerning certification requirements for domestic and international movements of live aquatic animals, fish and fishery/aquatic products; issuance of Health Certificate, Local Transport Permit, SPS Import Clearance and Export Commodity Clearance Certificate of Approval (HACCP/GMP/SSOP), Certificate of Recognition (Non-EU), Certificate of Inspection, Certificate of GMP/SSOP Compliance and Certificate of Registration for live fish and; and coordinating with Competent Authorities of other countries and relevant units on certification requirements (inbound and outbound) and other relevant activities.

The Fisheries Quarantine Section (FQS) shall conduct pre-border, border and post-border examination of live fish, fishery/aquatic products coming into and going out of the country by air or water transport; confiscate and dispose affected fish with pest and diseases in accordance with the environmental standards and existing policies, food safety and quality requirements (e.g. health certificate) and international agreements on biodiversity (CITES-listed species); conduct risk assessment and risk categorization of fish, fishery/aquatic products in coordination with relevant units on the importation, introduction, entry, re-introduction and domestic movement of high-risk or exotic species; respond to disease outbreaks and emergencies and restrict movement from contaminated areas to prevent the spread of the disease and to contain the outbreak; comply with the disease-reporting to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE); and ensure compliance and commitments under CODEX and OIE in coordination with BFAR laboratories, concerned units and other relevant agencies.

The Fisheries Inspection Section (FIS) shall evaluate and approve HACCP/GMP/SSOP/GAqP programs developed by the private sector (including aquafarms); conduct assessment of establishments applying for HACCP/GMP/SSOP recognition and GAqP for aquafarm registration; implement food safety control program for compliance to national and international requirements; conduct pre-shipment inspection as basis for the issuance of Health Certificate; and coordinate with other agencies or divisions as regards to other relevant activities.

The Fisheries Audit Section (FAS) shall develop an audit program and conduct audit of the FIQD’s Quality System Implementation and competency of staff performing inspection, quarantine and certification activities; communicate and coordinate with the third party auditors (local and international) as regards the audit missions in the Philippines (BFAR); investigate establishments with Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) Notification in coordination with the BFAR Regional Offices and FDA; and conduct audit on the Catch Certificate Validation and Traceability System in collaboration with FRLD and other regional offices performing the said activity.

The National Fisheries Laboratory Division (NFLD) shall provide laboratory services on aquatic animal health in support to sustainable aquaculture, and food safety of fish and fishery products to ensure consumer health protection, according to national and international standards and trade requirements. The NFLD shall develop plans and programs on the harmonized operations of the national and regional fisheries laboratories. The NFLD has three (3) sections, namely Fish Health Laboratory, Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, and Fisheries Product Testing Laboratory.

The Fish Health Laboratory shall operate the aquatic animal and seaweed disease diagnostic, residue, and water quality laboratories to control significant diseases and residues. It shall develop and implement the Disease Surveillance and Reporting System, National Residue Control Program, and National Action Plan to Control Antimicrobial Resistance in Aquaculture. It shall design sampling plans and protocols and conduct analyses for aquatic diseases and residues according to international standards to support production, food safety, and trade requirements.

The Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory shall operate the marine biotoxin and noxious substances laboratories. It shall develop and implement plans and programs for the detection of the presence of toxins in fish and shellfish, such as, but not limited to cyanide and marine biotoxin. It shall support the implementation of the BFAR Harmful Algal Bloom Program to provide current and relevant information for science-based management decisions. It shall also support the National Shellfish Sanitation Program for the classification of shellfish harvest areas. It shall conduct analysis for marine biotoxins and noxious substances in shellfish and fish, respectively, to ensure food safety and compliance with trade requirements.

The Fisheries Product Testing Laboratory shall operate chemical and microbiological laboratories for the analysis of fish/fishery and aquatic products and the safety of water and ice. It shall support plans and programs of the inspection, certification and quarantine services of the Bureau to ensure safety and quality of fish/fishery and aquatic products. It shall also support the implementation of the National Shellfish Sanitation Program for the classification of shellfish harvest areas. The abovementioned activities and programs shall be conducted to ensure food safety and quality to meet the requirements of national and international markets.

The Fisheries Resources Management Division (FRMD) shall supervise the implementaion of the national fishery management plans and projects related to conservation and protection of fisheries and aquatic resources in partnership with the Fisheries Resources Management Units and law enforcement agencies.

Specifically, the FRMD shall provide technical assistance to capacitate the Local Government Units (LGUs) and other stakeholders in managing their coastal resources through participatory coastal resource management; and provide technical assistance on resource assessments as basis for enactment of appropriate local or national policies, conservation/protection or sustainable management of target species, coastal or national resources planning, and the establishment of marine protected areas that will include fish sanctuaries among other interventions with reference to Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM).

The division is divided into three (3) sections namely Coastal Resource Management Section, Offshore Fisheries Section, and Conservation and Environmental Protection Section, whose functions are presented below:

The Coastal Resource Management Section shall promote awareness and strengthen community participation in coastal resource management through provision of technical assistance to LGUs, BFAR Regional Offices, and other stakeholders in the formulation and adaption of a comprehensive, integrated coastal resource management plan; shall be responsible for collecting fisheries and socio-economic baseline data from coastal municipalities and updating existing coastal environmental profile; shall conduct conservation and environmental education campaigns on the different aspects of fisheries management and conduct/attend reviews and planning workshops and consultations with different stakeholders towards promoting awareness on CRM and climate change.

The Offshore Fisheries Section shall gather or collect available management data on fisheries and other aquatic resources in areas beyond fifteen (15) kilometers and conduct analysis of such information in collaboration with the BFAR Regional and Provincial Offices; and review, recommend and draft national policy measures for the sustainable management and development of offshore fisheries.

The Conservation and Environmental Protection Section shall issue Shellfish Bulletin and Advisory; coordinate with BFAR regional/LGU monitoring units all over the country regarding the status of red tide/harmful algal bloom in local areas; prepare and disseminate HAB IEC materials; organize and conduct workshops, seminars and training programs on HAB monitoring and management; participate in the evaluation and recognition of LGUs and BFAR regional laboratories to enhance their capabilities in HAB monitoring and management; and maintain and update FRMD-CEPS website as repository of monitoring data.

The National Centers shall specialize in the different fisheries and aquatic species, covering the entire gamut of the cycle from the production/breeding, development to distribution to the different stakeholders for technical/extension assistance, technology transfer demonstration, and training and workshops. By virtue of S.O. No. 235 s. 2020 issued by the Office of the DA Secretary, the National Centers shall operate under the Office of the Assistant Director for Research, Regulations, and International Engagements (ADRRIE). It shall include the National Mariculture Center (NMC), Marine Fisheries Development and Vessel Operations Center (MFDVOC), National Fisheries Development Center (NFDC), National Brackishwater Fisheries Technology Center (NBFTC), National Inland Fisheries Technology Center (NIFTC), National Fisheries Development Center (NFDC), and National Seaweeds Technology Development Center (NSTDC).

The National Mariculture Center, located in Panabo, Davao del Norte, shall take charge of the breeding/culture, production, and distribution of high-valued mariculture species in the South to encourage the development of community-based marine type projects in municipal waters.

The Marine Fisheries Development and Vessel Operations Center, formerly known as National Marine Fisheries Development Center, located in Sangley Point, Cavite City shall be responsible for the development of guidelines and conduct of training on marine fisheries technology and vessel management operations; and the preparation of operational plans and sailing orders, as well as the safe operational conditions of the multi-vessels.

The National Fisheries Technology Center in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija Shall be responsible for continous technology studies to improve the growth, breeding, disease resistence and other traits of economic value of tilapia brood stocks and other freshwater species with high commercial value.

The National Brackishwater Fisheries Technology Center in Pagbilao, Quezon shall establish and operate hatchery and breeding facilities for brackishwater species (milkfish, shrimp, groupers, tilapia hybrid and mudcrab); including provision for technical assistance to fisherfolks.

The National Inland Fisheries Technology Center in Tanay, Rizal shall serve as the Philippine Germplasm Center for carp and other labyrinthine fishes thriving in the lake, reservoirs, rivers, streams and other forms of inland water.

The National Fisheries Development Center, formerly known as the National Integrated Fisheries Technology Development Center, located in Bonuan, Dagupan shall conduct development studies on various aquaculture species for breeding, propagation, and farming, including provision for training and advisory services.

The National Seaweeds Technology Development Center, located in Cabid-an, Sorsogon shall develop, promote, and transfer farming and processing technologies for Philippine seaweed with economic importance, including the recommendation for the formulation of policies. It shall conduct trainings, technical assistance and other extension services.

The Capture Fisheries Division (CFD) shall provide technical assistance and advisory services on capture fishery technologies pertaining to vessel designs, fishing gears, methods and techniques for both municipal and commercial fishing areas and distant waters. Specifically, the division shall recommend/formulate policy guidelines, rules and regulations; develop national program and action plans for the promotion and implementation of sustainable and responsible fishing operations; monitor and evaluate relevant programs and projects implemented by the Regional Fisheries Offices (RFOs) and the National Centers including the National Marine Fisheries Development Center (NMFDC); provide technical assistance and capacity building on capture fisheries to RFOs and other agencies/institutions; establish and maintain linkages with allied national, regional and international institutions with respect to technical and policy concerns; recommend and facilitate mechanisms for international and national collaboration; recommend research, development and training priorities to the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), RFOs and NMFDC, in consultation with the fisherfolk and other sectors within the industry; and evaluate viable fishing technology projects and recommend implementation thereof.

The CFD has two (2) sections namely: Capture Fisheries Policies, Programs and Operations Monitoring Section and Commercial and Distant Water Fishing and Technical Support and Advisory Services Section.

The Capture Fisheries Policies and Programs and Operations Monitoring Section shall develop/formulate policies, plans, programs and activities on capture fisheries; implement and monitor policies, programs, projects and activities on capture fisheries including the implementation of FA \O 263 (FMA), other FAOs and Issuances; monitor and evaluate programs and projects implemented by the Regional Fisheries Offices (RFOs) and National Centers; coordination, collaboration, and linkage with relevant National, Regional, and International Institutions and other matters relating to capture fisheries policies, programs and fishing operations.

The Commercial and Distant Water Fishing and Technical Support and Advisory Services Section shall implement capacity building and technical assistance to BFAR RFOs and other agencies/institutions on capture fisheries/ fishing technologies; review/evaluate projects /activity proposals relevant to capture fisheries; recommend research, development and training priorities to the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), MFD-VOC, and RFOs in consultation with stakeholder coordination, collaboration, and linkage with relevant National, Regional, and International Institutions and other matters relating to commercial and distant water fisheries.

The Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Division shall formulate, review and recommend policies, plans, programs and regulations for the conservation, development, rehabilitation and utilization of fisheries and aquatic resources in freshwater, marine and brackishwater environment for aquaculture and provide aquaculture related extension services to all stakeholders to improve production at sustainable levels through Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP).

The division is composed of three sections namely: Freshwater Section, Mariculture Section and Brackishwater Section that carries out the Division’s functions according to specific aquatic environment.

The Freshwater Aquaculture Section shall formulate, review and recommend management policies, programs and measures for freshwater aquaculture to increase production within ecological limits; review and evaluate project proposals and technical papers; and attend to inquiries from various stakeholders.

The Mariculture Section shall formulate, review and recommend management policies, programs and measures for marine aquaculture to increase production within ecological limits; supervise the conduct of the inventory and assessment of existing marine hatcheries, fish cages and fish pens for proper disposition and registration; and conduct monitoring and evaluation of mariculture parks/mariculture zones and promote intensive investment on developed mariculture parks/mariculture zones.

The Brackishwater Section shall formulate, review and recommend management policies, programs and measures for brackishwater aquaculture to increase production within ecological limits; and supervise the conduct of the inventory and assessment of existing brackishwater, fishponds, hatcheries, fish cages and fish pens.

The Fisheries Industry Development and Support Services Division (FIDSSD) shall promote and support the Philippine fisheries industry through marketing assistance, enterprise development, and credit & investment facilitation services. These include product promotion, organization and/or participation in both local and international seafood trade fairs, business matching, industry and investment fora, inbound and outbound business trade missions, price monitoring, management of comprehensive Fisheries Market Information System (FMIS), capacity-building of BFAR and industry personnel relevant to trade and marketing, and other developmental and marketing-related assistance to the fisheries industry. The Division is comprised of three (3) sections with the following functions:

Enterprise Development Section shall be responsible in organizing and/or participating in international and local trade fairs, exhibits, industry and investment fora that will showcase and promote the Philippine seafood products for the sustainability of the fisheries industry; assist in fisheries community organizing towards the establishment of marketing enterprise cooperatives; develop technical fisheries trainings/ seminars/workshops responsive to the training needs of the fisheries industry personnel; capacitate industry players and MSMEs towards entrepreneurial development-oriented sector; craft and/or assist in the formulation of policies related to fisheries enterprise development; and develop and disseminate Information, Education, Communication (IEC) materials for product promotion in international and local trade fairs and expos.

Marketing Assistance Section shall be responsible in conducting of price monitoring activity of top commercially-important fish & fishery commodities in retail and wholesale wet markets; provide market linkage between buyers or producers and suppliers through business matching; monitor and evaluate outcome of conducted business matching; organize and participate in dialogues, seminars, trainings, or fora to capacitate stakeholders in fisheries marketing and provide avenues for market matching; maintain comprehensive marketing fisheries database; conduct and implement market intelligence and development studies relevant to fisheries marketing; collaborate with agencies/ industry players for potential fisheries marketing-related partnerships; craft and/or assist in the formulation of policies related to fisheries marketing; and develop and disseminate IEC materials relevant to marketing assistance services.

Credit and Investment Facilitation Section shall facilitate extension of credit availment from financing institutions (government and private) to fisherfolk; coordinate with the credit and insurance institutions/entities as potential cooperating partners in extending credit services to fisherfolk; provide trainings/seminars/technical assistance to fisherfolk borrowers to enable them to access credit, comply loan requirements and capacitate to be credit worthy; craft and/or assist in the formulation of policies related to fisheries credit & investments; proactive participation in coordination with lending institutions in the development of relevant guidelines and requirements to facilitate access to credit by fisheries stakeholders; monitor and evaluate assisted fisherfolk borrowers; and develop and disseminate IEC materials relevant to credit and investment facilitation services.

The Fisheries Post-Harvest Technology Division (FPHTD) shall be responsible for the promotion and the development of guidelines for the establishment, operation and maintenance of fisheries post-harvest facilities, good fish handling practices and development of value-added products for human consumption. It shall provide technical, advisory and extension services on the operation of post-harvest facilities to help the business operators comply with national and international seafood safety regulations. It shall conduct technology transfer through technology demonstrations, capability-building, trainings, seminars/workshops on seafood safety, fish handling practices and postharvest technologies to walk-in clients and other interested parties.

Further, the Division shall formulate, review and recommend policies related to national and international seafood safety standards and regulations. It shall also develop and review guidelines for the establishment, maintenance and operation of post-harvest infrastructure facilities, equipment and machineries in the fishing communities in collaboration with the Regional Fisheries Offices, LGUs and other relevant agencies. The division is composed of two (2) sections namely: the Fish Processing Section and the Seafood Safety Section.

The Fish Processing Section shall promote and strengthen the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and processing plants through the introduction of verified/improved technologies; prepare and update business plan models on fisheries post-harvest technologies; conduct industry needs assessment on priority commodities for the development of Philippine National Standards and Codes of Practice; prepare and implement guidelines and procedures for the handling, processing and utilization of aquatic products for human consumption and provide training and extension services on fisheries post-harvest technologies to help reduce fisheries post-harvest losses.

The Seafood Safety Section shall formulate standard protocols/procedures and recommend policies and guidelines on the implementation of minimum seafood safety requirements based on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP); coordinate with the BFAR Regional Fisheries Offices, Divisions/sections and other agencies concerned with food safety and quality assurance; develop guidelines for the establishment, maintenance and operation of post-harvest infrastructure facilities, equipment and machineries in collaboration with the PFDA and other relevant agencies; conduct trainings on GMP, SSOP and HACCP to industry stakeholders; and provide technical assistance and advisory services in compliance to national and international seafood safety regulations and quality standards in support to the regulatory functions of the BFAR.

The Fisheries Production and Support Services Division shall oversee activities pertaining to production, post-harvest/marketing, and laboratory procedures.

The Fisheries Management Regulatory and Enforcement Division shall act as the regulatory and enforcement body in the regional offices to handle inspection and quarantine functions and MCS (monitoring, control, and surveillance) duties.

The Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division shall facilitate the conduct of trainings/seminar, technical support and extension services to fisherfolks, private entities and LGUs. They shall lead in the preparation and implementation of the Comprehensive National FARMC Implementation Plan.

The Provincial/City Fisheries Office shall serve as the fishery and aquatic arm for resource management, protection and development at the grassroots levels, accessible to the fisherfolks, LGUs, and private entities.

The Technology Outreach Stations/Satellite Stations shall provide on-site demonstration for the skills upgrading of local fisherfolks and other clientele while servicing as nurseries/farms/tanks for production and development of species.