Fishing Act (2015).

The Act regulates fishing and the use of fish and aquatic plant resources, and applies within the territory and exclusive economic zone of the State as well as, under specified conditions, to fishing activities conducted outside national jurisdiction by vessels holding the State’s nationality or by registered operators, subject to applicable European Union law and international agreements. It defines fishing, bycatch, aquatic plant collection and related activities, and determines rules on the ownership of fish and aquatic plants.
The Act establishes the framework governing fishing rights, including recreational, commercial and special purpose fishing, and sets the conditions under which such rights may be exercised. It lays down general requirements for the conservation and use of fishery resources, including rules on fishing gear and methods, minimum sizes of fish, closed seasons and areas, and permitted fishing possibilities. It also provides prohibitions on specified fishing practices and regulates the handling, sale and other operations involving fish and aquatic plants, including requirements for the certification of origin.
The Act regulates the administration of fishing activities through authorisations, licences and registers relating to fishing vessels and operators, and includes provisions on fishing capacity, allocation of fishing possibilities and allowable catches. It establishes obligations for monitoring and reporting, including submission of catch data and maintenance of fisheries-related databases, and confers supervisory powers on the competent authorities. It further defines offences and penalties and provides for compensation for damage to fishery resources.