Decree No. 173 of 1998 to regulate fishing in marine areas outside the fisheries jurisdiction of any state.

This Decree applies to fishing by Norwegian citizens and residents of Norway in marine waters which are fishing beyond the fisheries jurisdiction of any state for any stocks not regulated by the Norwegian authorities. No fishing shall take place without prior registration for a calendar year with the Directorate of Fisheries (sect. 2). The Director may deny registration if: (a) the proposed fishing is against fisheries interests of Norway; (b) if an international agreement compels the Director to do so; (c) if the fishing is regulated by a regional or sub-regional fisheries body; and (d) if rational and sustainable management of fisheries would not permit to do so. The vessel may be cancelled from the registry if it infringes rules of the present Decree or rules established by regional or sub-regional fisheries body (sect. 4). The remaining provisions deal with catch logbooks and reporting to the Directorate. (7 sections)