Law No. 14.181 providing for a policy to protect aquatic fauna and flora and to develop fishing and aquaculture in the State.

This Law establishes a policy to protect aquatic fauna and flora and to develop fishing and aquaculture in the State. Fishing and aquaculture activities will observe the following principles: preservation and conservation of biodiversity; fulfilment of the socio-economic function of fishing; rational exploitation of fishing resources; precaution aimed at biosafety, as a prerequisite for any procedure for the introduction of genetically modified organisms; pursuit of sustainable development, by ecological prudence, social equity and economic efficiency; prevention of traffic in genetic material.
The guidelines of the State fisheries policy are: guarantee the perpetuation and replacement of native species; regulate the forms and methods of exploitation and trade in fish and fishing gear used in fishing and aquaculture; encourage activities to promote aquaculture; establish ways of repairing damage; encourage ecological tourism; protect aquatic fauna and flora; promote the socio-economic and cultural development of professional fishers and their families; promote the restoration of aquatic habitats and fishing resources; permanently monitor fishing landings; establish a differentiated closed season, in accordance with the breeding season, by region and by river basin. The executive branch will establish zoning for fishing in the state, with a view to the sustainable development of aquatic fauna and flora. Any action degrading the ecosystem constitutes damage to aquatic fauna, and is subject to penalties. The executive branch will adopt preventive measures to avoid or minimize the risk of damage to aquatic fauna and flora.