Inland Fisheries Resources Act, 2003 (No. 1 of 2003).

The Act makes provision with respect to the promotion of inland fisheries and the conservation of inland fisheries resources, defines criteria for an inland fisheries policy, provides for the establishment of the Inland Fisheries Council and regulates inland fisheries.
The Act consists of 33 sections divided into 9 Parts: Interpretation (I); Policy for Conservation and Utilization of Inland Fisheries Resources (II); Inland Fisheries Council (III); Fishing Licences and Registration of Nets (IV); Control of Fishing Activities (V); Conservation and Protection Measures (VI); Enforcement (VII); Offences and Penalties (VIII); General (IX).
Section 2 grants power to the Minister to define the inland fisheries and utilization policy. The Inland Fisheries Council, established under section 3, shall advise the Minister on matters regarding inland fisheries. The Council may establish committees to perform, subject to the directions of the Council, such of the Council’s functions as the Council may determine. A person may not engage in fishing in any inland waters by means of any regulated fishing gear as defined in section 2 without a fishing licence issued by the Minister or a designated officer authorising fishing by means of the particular type of regulated fishing gear which the person is using or intends using (sect. 11). A fishing licence is subject to such conditions as are prescribed in general and as the Minister or a designated officer may impose in a particular case. Prescribed conditions may relate to: (a) bag limits; (b) fishing gear; (c) areas in which fishing is restricted or prohibited; (d) closed seasons when fishing is not permitted; (e) furnishing of catch reports; and (f) any other matter which the Minister deems appropriate (sect. 13). Section 16 concerns the marking of fishing gear. Section 17 prohibits certain fishing methods. A fishing license does not authorize its holder to fish in a game park or nature reserve or on land owned or controlled by statutory institutions (sect. 18). Introduction or transfer of fish and import or export of fish requires a written permission of the Minister. The Minister may by notice in the Gazette declare any species of fish as an endangered species for the purpose of protecting or regenerating such species (sect. 21). The Minister, on his or her own initiative, or in response to an initiative of any regional council, local authority council or traditional authority, declare fisheries reserves pursuant to section 22. The Minister may designate inspectors for purposes of this Act under section 23. Powers of an Inspector are outlined in section 25. Remaining provisions prescribe offences and penalties, provide for measures of enforcement and regulation making powers the Minister.