Marine Fisheries Rules, 2023.

These Rules are made by virtue of powers conferred by section 62 of the Marine Fisheries Act, 2020. They provide for the regulatory framework for managing Bangladesh's marine fisheries sector. The primary objectives of these rules are to ensure the sustainable exploitation of aquatic resources, protection of marine biodiversity, combating illegal and unregulated fishing activities, and enhancing the ecological resilience of the Bay of Bengal. The government may by notification prohibit the catching of certain species of fish in marine fishing waters by all types of fishing vessels. The Rules focus on the strict management and zoning of fishing fleets to prevent overexploitation of marine ecosystems. The procedure for application of licence for fishing vessels is laid down. The Rules provide for fishing for research and the procedure for permit is laid down. The regulations establish clear spatial boundaries that separate the operational areas for different sectors. Artisanal and mechanized fleets are restricted to designated coastal waters, while industrial fishing trawlers are required to operate strictly beyond specified depth contours and territorial limits to protect near-shore breeding grounds and coastal marine life. The Rules provide for phased elimination of destructive fishing practices. They mandate a five-year transitional period for commercial vessel owners to completely convert their bottom trawling vessels into mid-water trawling vessels. Upon completing this conversion within the five-year timeframe, vessel owners must surrender their previous bottom-trawling licenses to the Director and will be issued new operational licenses for mid-water trawling under the same vessel name.