Marine Areas (Preservation and Enhancement) Act 1972 (Act No. 5 of 1972).

This Act makes provision for the preservation of natural beauty and wild fauna and flora in the territorial waters of Antigua and Barbuda. Territorial waters includes any adjoining land or swamp areas which form within certain submarine areas a single ecological entity.
A certain number of definitions are listed under section 2. With a view of preserving and enhancing the natural beauty, protecting the flora and fauna, promoting the enjoyment of the public and promoting scientific study and research, the Minister may designate any portion of the marine areas as a restricted area (sect. 3(1)). Section 4 allows the Minister to acquire any private land for the use of a restricted area. Such an acquisition, which is declared to be for public purpose (sect. 4(3)), is made either by means of negotiations with the owner or other person entitled to grant rights in the land for the purpose of acquiring lands or by means of a compulsory purchase. The management of a restricted area may be assigned by the Minister to any person, board, committee, or body he considers competent. Minister's power to make regulations includes: the protection of the flora, fauna and wrecks in restricted areas; enforcement measures including the search, seizure and arrest of any person, vessel or carrier; the licensing of boats and crafts employed in the transportation of visitors and the licensing of guides; the charging of fees (sect. 6).