Ban on the taking or catching, selling, purchasing and possessing, transporting and exporting of Whale Sharks and Manta Rays

http://best-diving.org/adrenalin-diving/139-shark-quest-best-sharks-place

March 25, 1998

FISHERIES ADMINISTRATIVE)
ORDER NO.193 :
Series of 1998 . . . . . . . . . . )

SUBJECT:

Ban on the taking or catching, selling, purchasing and possessing, transporting and exporting of Whale Sharks and Manta Rays

Pursuant to Sections 65 and 107 of RA No. 8550 otherwise known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, the following rules and regulations for the protection and conservation of whale sharks and manta rays in Philippine waters are hereby promulgated:

SECTION 1. Definition. – The terms used herein shall be construed as follows:

a.	Whale shark – a large elasmobranch of the family Rhincodontidae, of the species Rhincodon typus characterized externally by a broad, flattened head, a very large and nearly terminal mouth, very large gill slits, three prominent longitudinal ridges on its upper flanks, a large first dorsal fin, a semi-lunate caudal fin and a unique “checkerboard” pattern of light spots and stripes on a dark background
b.	Manta Rays – a large elasmobranch of the family Mobulidae, synonymous with the giant Atlantic manta (Manta birostris).
c.	Take or catch – includes the killing, capturing, trapping, snaring and netting of whale shark and manta rays.
d.	Sell – includes barter, exchange, or offering or exposing for sale.
e.	Possess – means to have actual or constructive possession or control thereof.
f.	Transport – means to carry or move or cause to be carried or moved.
g.	Export – means to send or ship out of the country.

SEC. 2. Prohibition. – It shall be unlawful to take or catch whale shark and manta rays in Philippine waters or to sell, purchase, possess, transport, or export the same whether dead or alive, in any state or form whether raw or processed.

Please click the link below;

Source: http://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/pages/legislation/FAO/fao193.html