The Ministry of Natural Resources ("MNR") has recently issued the Administrative Provisions on Study of the Use of Sea Areas (Revised) (Draft for Comment) (the "Draft for Comment") to seek opinions from all sectors by June 10, 2020.
The main body of the Draft for Comment, encompassing 29 articles in lieu of the previous 31 articles, is divided into four chapters which are general provisions, preparation of study reports on the use of sea areas, supervisory checks of study reports on the use of sea areas, and supplementary provisions, new articles regarding the publication of reports, circulation of notices on discreditable acts, and circumstances of blacklisting are added. Among others, the Draft for Comment provides that the applicant desiring the use of sea areas and the entity that has prepared the study report shall bear equal liability for contents of the study report submitted to the authority of natural resources (marine resources) and the conclusions stated therein, and be responsible for the truthfulness and accuracy of data and information cited and conclusions stated therein. It also provides clarity on the requirements for contract signing, internal systems, quality control, etc. Moreover, the Draft for Comment prescribes that, if a study report on the use of sea areas involves plagiarism or contains any data or information that is invalid or fabricated, or falls under four other circumstances, it will .