Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act (S.N.S. 1996, c. 25).

The purpose of this Act is to: a) consolidate and revise the fisheries law; b) encourage, promote and implement programs that will sustain and improve the fishery, including aquaculture; c) service, develop and optimize the harvesting and processing segments of the fishing and aquaculture industries; d) assist the aquaculture industry to increase production; e) expand recreational and sport-fishing opportunities and ecotourism; f) foster community involvement in the management of coastal resources; g) provide training to enhance the skills and knowledge of participants in the fishery; h) increase the productivity and competitiveness of the processing sector. Section 25 establishes that the body corporate known as the Nova Scotia Fisheries Loan Board is continued under the new name Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board. The aim of the Board is to make loans and guarantees of loans to fishers, aquaculturists, companies, co-operatives, associations or other persons in order to encourage, sustain, improve and develop the fishing industry in the Province. The Act consists of 101 sections divided into 9 Parts as follows: Introduction (I); Administration (II); Training, technology and development (III); Lending for fisheries and aquaculture development (IV); Aquaculture (V); Sea plants harvesting (VI); Licensing and inspecting of fish and fish products (VII); Recreational fishing (VIII); Enforcement, investigation and penalties (IX).