Marine Fisheries Act, 2020 (Act No. XIX of 2020).

The Marine Fisheries Act, 2020 is the key legislation for conservation and sustainable management of fisheries in Bangladesh. This Act consists of 64 sections across 12 Chapters: 1. Preliminary; 2. Administrative; 3. General licensing issues; 4. Fishing activities done by local fishing vessels; 5. Fish harvesting activities by foreign fishing vessels; 6. Some of the prohibited methods for fishing; 7. Declaration of Marine Protected Areas; 8. Officer in charge; 9. Administrative Appeal; 10. Crime and punishment; 11. Jurisdiction of crime, trial, bailable, etc.; 12. Miscellaneous.
The Act in the second chapter empowers the Government to: declare the Marine fishing and mariculture area of Bangladesh; determine and classify vessels for conservation, management of fisheries resources and for licensing thereof; and control illegal, unregulated and uncontrolled fishing. The third chapter lays down the process for application and renewal of licenses, imposition of conditions on licenses, suspension and revocation of licenses. It also lays down obligation on fishing vessels to obtain sailing permission, record keeping, sending arrival message and allowing inspection by authorized officer. The fourth chapter requires commercial trawler to be imported or manufactured locally as per the specification prescribed by the Government and requires artisanal vessels to apply for permission to harvest fish. The fifth chapter imposes restrictions on entry of foreign fishing vessels in the Marine Fisheries Waters of Bangladesh and provides for penalties for offenses committed by foreign fishing vessels. The sixth chapter prohibits use of explosives, poisons or any other harmful substance to harvest fish and penalizes use of prohibited nets, tools or equipment.
The seventh chapter empowers the Government to declare Fisheries Sanctuary or Marine Protected Areas within the Marine Fisheries Waters of Bangladesh and prohibits activities such as fishing or dredging etc. therein. The eighth chapter empowers the officer-in-charge to stop a vessel, inspect and search any fishing vessel or yard, and seize and confiscate fishing vessels, fishing gear or equipment, explosives, poison or any other harmful substance or equipment. The ninth chapter provides for appeal of an order of denial of license issue or renewal or an order of revocation of license or imposition of penalty imposed under this Act. The tenth chapter provides for penalties for obstruction of Officer-In-Charge; damage to fishing vessels; destruction of evidence; operating fishing vessels without marking; preserving, stocking or selling illegally caught fish; and other offences under the Act. The eleventh chapter contains provisions relating to jurisdiction of Bangladesh courts and the twelfth chapter provides for procedure to issue notice, collection of fees and power to make rules.