Decree No. 882 of 1994 relative to mesh size, bycatch, minimum size and other matters in relation with the fishing in the territorial waters and inner waters of Svalbard.

Chapter I outlines the application sphere of the Decree: it applies to Norwegian and foreign vessels of any type which carry out commercial fishing or assist in commercial fishing including experimental fishing (sect. 1). The Decree does not amend existing nature and wildlife protection provisions. Chapter II specifies allowed mesh size for trawl and purse seine and specifies requirements with respect to the installation of gear. Section 8 provides for the measurement of the size of mesh. Chapter III prohibits the use of pelagic trawls for the fishing of cod, Norway haddock, and coalfish and gives a definition of pelagic trawl. Maximum allowed bycatch of various fish and crustacean species are listed in Chapter IV. Chapter V specifies minimum allowed sizes of various fish species and prescribes the method of measurement of fish. It is forbidden to dump specified species and to process cod, haddock and coalfish into fish meal (Chap. VI). Chapter VII prohibits fishing in certain areas. Section 12, to which a new comma is added by the amendment of 1997, forms part of Chapter II which specifies allowed mesh size for trawl and purse seine and specifies requirements with respect to the installation of gear. This new comma empowers the Director of Fisheries to regulate the participation in fishing by purse seine vessels which have installed purses with square meshes in areas which are normally closed pursuant to Decree No. 20 of 1978 regulating fishing in the territorial waters and the inner waters of Svalbard.