Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Except for research, educational and scientific purposes, authorized by the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources, it shall be unlawful for any person to engage in electro-fishing in any of the fresh-water areas of the Philippines.

SEC. 2. As used in this Act, the term "electro-fishing" means that method of catching fish in which electricity generated by dry cell storage batteries, electric generators or other sources of electric power, is utilized to stupefy, disable or kill fish and other aquatic animals; the term "fresh-water areas" shall include all rivers, lakes, swamps, marshes, dams, irrigation canals and other bodies of freshwater in the Philippines; and the term "person" shall include natural and artificial persons.

SEC. 3. The penalty of imprisonment ranging from six Months to one year and a fine of five hundred to one thousand pesos shall be imposed on any person guilty of violating Section one of this Act, and, in addition, all the apparatus and paraphernalia including the boat used in the electro-fishing shall be confiscated and forfeited in favor of the Government.

In case of juridical persons, the partner, president, director or manager who consents to or knowingly tolerates such violation shall be held liable as a co-principal.

SEC. 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved, June 17, 1972.