Declaration of Policy.
Section 2
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy.—It is hereby declared the policy of the State to accelerate and promote the integrated development of the fishery industry and to keep the fishery resources of the country in optimum productive condition through proper conservation and protection. The government shall promote and encourage the organization of, provide assistance to, and help integrate the activities of, persons, associations, cooperatives and corporations engaged in the industry so that the nation may achieve the maximum economic utilization of its fishery resources. In this connection, the fishery industry shall be considered as a preferred area of investment. The government shall also encourage and promote the exportation of fish and fishery/aquatic products to enable the fishery industry to contribute positively to the development and growth of the national economy. The private sector's privilege to utilize a fishery resource shall be exercised or continued to be exercised only under the basic concept that the grantee, licensee or permittee thereof shall not only be a privileged beneficiary of the State, but also an active participant and partner of the government in the conservation and development of the fishery resources of the country.