Fishermen's Associations Act, 1971.

The Act makes provision with respect to associations of fishermen. It consists of 33 sections divided into 8 Parts: Preliminary (I); Formations of Area, State and National Fishermen's Associations (II); Registration (III); State Fishermen's Associations Supervising Officer (IV); Members of Area Fishermen's Associations (V); Management of Funds of Area, State and Federal Fishermen's Associations (VI); Confederation of Area, State and Federal Fishermen's Associations (VII); General (VIII).
The Act states the conditions for the establishment and registration of Area, State and National Fishermen's Associations. The Area Fishermen Association is an association of not less than fifty members, registered according to the provisions of article 8. Any two or more registered Area Fishermen’s Associations may confederate into one State Fishermen’s Association and any two or more State Fishermen’s Associations may confederate into a National Fishermen’s Association. Only Area, State or National Fishermen’s Associations formed and registered in accordance with this Act shall be allowed to operate. The Registrar appointed under this Act shall, to a certain extent, supervise the operation of registered associations. The main purpose of the associations shall be the promotion of economic and social interest of fishermen. To this end, the associations shall, among other things: (a) manage financial aid measures; (b) promote the fishery sector and the professional training; (c) organize fishing operations and aquaculture; (d) provide for the collection of data and dissemination of information; (e) mediate in disputes involving members in the fishing industry. The co-ordination, inspection and supervision of every State, Region and Area Association shall be entrusted to a Supervising Officer appointed by the Minister. The Supervising Officer shall advise, coordinate, inspect and supervise the activities of Area and State Fishermen’s' Associations. Part VII concerns the procedure for establishing a confederation of State, Region and Area Fishermen's Associations. The Act further provides further for members of Area Fishermen’s' Associations; management and administration of funds of the Associations; procedures for the confederation of Area Fishermen’s' Associations and for the registration of State Farmers' Associations; settlement of disputes; offences; etc.