According to RA 9379 commercial hand-line fishing is a traditional, passive fishing method which utilizes a single line and an attached hook. But commercial handline fishing vessel is defined as a commercial fishing vessel that exclusively utilizes the commercial hand-line fishing method. BFAR in coordination with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Manila and Maritine Industry Authority (MARINA) Manila has finalized the law.
RA 9379 states that a hand-line boat master need not be a licensed boat captain, and will be issued a license by MARINA once he or she undergoes theoretical and practical training. It says that the boat captain only needs to complete the training required by MARINA. It clearly specifies the roles of Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
It is said that the hand-line fishing is the best means of catching large tuna. BFAR 12 Regional Director Sani D. Macabalang hoped that everybody agreed and adopt sign agreement that will officially acknowledge and make the implementing rules and regulations effective. According to him the government should be responsive and flexible to the needs of the tuna handline fishing industry.
Mayor Pedro C. Acharon of General Santos City has welcomed the new law saying that it would somehow resolve issues and would ease the problems confronting the handline fishermen. Dario Lauron from Alliance of Tuna Handliners (ATH) informed that the people are grateful that RA 9367 will finally become a law because this is the solution has been asking for so long.
