DA cuts export fees for all fish species

MANILA, Philippines - Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala has reduced to just 0.2 percent the export fee on all fish species, including tuna, caught in Philippine waters.

The reduction of the export fee is intended to shore up the ailing fishing and tuna industry.

Alcala has approved an amendment to Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) 233 issued in 2010, stipulating fees for the issuance of export/re-export permits equivalent to three percent of export value.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Director Asis G. Perez said the reduced fee is equivalent to P1,650 or 0.2 percent of fish raw material value computed from the previous year’s average wholesale price, whichever is higher, based on price surveys of the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS).

The previous three percent export fee was an additional burden and a disincentive for exporters, unduly increasing the price of tuna products -- making them less competitive in the world market, according to the SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc. (SFFAII).

The measure was also viewed counterproductive and inconsistent with the thrust of the government to promote exports, according to Marfenio Y. Tan, outgoing SFFAII chairman.

The National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (NFARMC) initially promulgated FAO 233, in keeping with the intent of Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001.

The NFARMC is a multi-sectoral, advisory group under the supervision of the DA-BFAR.

Among other major tasks, it conducts national consultations to craft needed policies for the protection, conservation, sustainable development and management of the country’s fisheries and aquatic resources.

The recommended policies are sent to the DA Secretary for consideration and approval.

During its July 22, 2011 meeting, the NFARMC upon consultations with tuna industry stakeholders approved the recommendation to reduce the three percent export fee for captured aquatic wildlife like tuna.

The bulk or 60 percent of the country’s tuna catch is unloaded at General Santos City, thus making it the “tuna capital” of the Philippines.

The tuna industry is facing hard times as a result of a ban on fishing in the high seas imposed by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) since Jan. 1, 2010.

Last year, the country’s tuna production totaled 387,101 metric tons (MT), nine percent less than in 2008.

Of the total, commercial fish catch accounted for 70 percent or 271,625 MT, 14 percent less than in 2008, the SFFAII said.