Amendments of Division 1 of Title 27 of Palau National Code regarding foreign fishing.

These amendments provide for tasks and powers of the Ministry of Resources and Development and the Bureau of Natural Resources and Development of the Ministry of Resources and Development with respect to control and management of foreign fishing in Palau. In negotiating foreign fishing agreements, the Ministry shall obtain agreement by the foreign parties to the terms and conditions set out in section 163. The Bureau by annual regulation shall determine the allocation among foreign nations of the total allowable level of foreign fishing in accordance with section 165. The Bureau shall also grant permits for fishing by foreign vessels in the waters of Palau in accordance with provisions of the present text. Further the amendments contain a provision on preservation and observance of traditional fishing in submerged reefs in accordance with the regulations of the Bureau and the Division of Marine Law Enforcement of the Ministry of Justice.