Decree No. 4/96 establishing the general principles of the exploitation policy for national fisheries resources.

This Decree establishes the general principles of the exploitation policy for national fisheries resources. It is composed of 9 chapters and 5 annexes concerning artisanal and industrial fishing (including sport fishing), and laying down the requirements to be met by national and foreign fishing vessels.
Chapter 4 establishes terms and conditions for a fishing licence. Chapter 5 deals with artisanal fishing vessel requirements (log-book, allowable catch, prohibitions, landing, controls to be made on board by inspectors, etc.). Chapter 6 specifies the markings to be displayed on hulls for different types of fishing vessels. Chapter 7 establishes protective measures for the conservation of fisheries resources such as: minimum mesh size, fishing gear requirements, minimum size or weight of fish species, protected species and fishing zones. A model application form for industrial fishing licences is contained in annex I. A model form for fishing authorizations in the EEZ of Guinea-Bissau is contained in Annex II. Annex III contains a model fishing log-book. annex IV lists the International Allocation of Call Signs (with alphabet and numbers). Annex V lists the minimum size and weight of protected species (specified in article 61) and the species whose capture is prohibited.