Fishing regulations in Philippines

Licensing:

• saltwater-recreational — residents Fishing in the Philippines is regulated under the Philippine Fisheries Code (RA 8550, as amended by RA 10654). Municipal waters (within 15 km of the coastline) are managed by the Local Government Unit (LGU), which registers municipal fisherfolk and issues fishing privileges/permits by ordinance; commercial fishing vessels (>3.1 gross tons) require a Commercial Fishing Vessel/Gear License from BFAR. Recreational and sport-fishing access (including catch-and-release, charters and live-aboard trips) is commonly arranged through the relevant LGU or resort/charter operator; requirements vary by municipality and by Marine Protected Area. Confirm with the local LGU and BFAR regional office before fishing., non-residents Visiting and foreign anglers are subject to the same Fisheries Code framework. Foreign nationals are generally restricted from commercial fishing in Philippine waters; recreational/sport access is normally through a licensed charter or resort that holds the necessary local permits. Marine Protected Areas, sanctuaries and many municipal waters have their own access rules and user fees set by the LGU. Always confirm requirements with the operator, the local LGU and the BFAR regional office before fishing.

FishRadar regulations are summaries for informational purposes only and are NOT a legal source. Philippine fishing is governed by the Philippine Fisheries Code (RA 8550, as amended by RA 10654) and by local ordinances: municipal waters (within 15 km of shore) are managed by Local Government Units (LGUs), which set their own bag limits, gear rules, closed seasons, access fees and Marine Protected Area (MPA) restrictions. There is NO single national recreational bag/size table — rules differ by municipality, province and MPA and change frequently. Whale sharks, manta rays, sawfishes, sea turtles, giant clams, the humphead wrasse and all CITES Appendix I / nationally listed rare, threatened and endangered species are strictly PROTECTED and may not be taken under any circumstances. Always confirm current rules with the local LGU and the BFAR regional office before fishing.