Fisheries Act, 1991 (Act No. 10 of 1991).

This Act, which intends to provide for the management of the fisheries and the development of the fishing industry in The Gambia, deals with the administration of fisheries, fisheries development measures, local licensing procedures, foreign licensing provisions, aquaculture, marketing and processing, prohibited fishing methods, powers of authorized officers and other related subject matters. It substitutes the Fisheries Act. It redefines some principal terms such as fisheries waters, aquaculture establishment, etc. The administration of the fisheries sector and in particular fisheries management and development will be carried out by the Director of Fisheries, appointed by the Public Service Commission, assisted by the Fisheries Advisory Committee created under this Act. Fisheries development measures include, in addition to others, the creation of a Fisheries Development Fund, whose main function is to promote small scale fisheries and cooperative enterprises. Provision is made for local fishing and foreign fishing. As regards the latter, the Act regulates foreign fishing licences as well as fisheries access agreements. Attention is also given to the development and promotion of aquaculture. To be able to undertake this activity it is necessary to obtain a permit and the Minister responsible for lands will upon request of the Minister of Water Resources, Forestry and Fisheries, provide suitable lands for the establishment of aquaculture farms. Conditions attached to the aquaculture permit may refer to the siting and construction of the establishment, the quality and sanitary conditions of fish or fish products, the controls for prevention of fish disease and the marketing of fish and fish products. Provision is also made for fines and penalties and the Act proposes a general penalty clause for the violation of any provision of the Act, if no specific penalty is prescribed therefore.