Karnataka Inland Fisheries (Conservation, Development and Regulation) Act, 1996 (Act No. 27 of 2003).

This Act, consisting of 24 sections divided into five Chapters and one Schedule provides for the conservation, development and regulation of inland fisheries in Karnataka State. This Act is considered necessary as the existing Acts namely: the Indian Fisheries Act, 1897 (Central Act IV of 1897), the Fisheries (Madras Amendment) Act, 1927 (Madras Act II of 1929), the Hyderabad Fisheries Act 1356 Fasli (Hyderabad Act 23 of 1356 Fasli), the Mysore Game and Fish Preservation Act, 1901 (Regulation II of 1901) which are in force in several parts of the State do not provide extensive provisions in this regard. It is also considered necessary to prevent extinction of different types of rare species of fish like Mahassar, Game fish, Live fish etc., by prohibiting fishing during the period from June to September. It is also necessary to preserve, develop and regulate the inland fisheries in a scientific manner and to provide for related matters.
The Act establishes that no person shall fish in any water except under and in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in a licence granted under sub-section (2); a person carrying on fishing in any water immediately before the commencement of this Act, may continue to do so for a period of three months. In addition, any person desiring to obtain a licence shall apply to the authorized officer as prescribed. On receipt of an application the authorized officer may grant or refuse to grant licence. It also provides for registration of fish breeding, establishing that no person shall breed fish for sale of fish seeds without a related registration. Chapter II specifies the requirements to obtain a Fishing Licence; Chapter III creates the Karnataka Inland Fisheries Advisory Board; and Chapter IV establishes Offences and Penalties for illegal activities.