Regulations on the Collection of Marine Resources for Aquaria and Research

The Regulations on the Collection of Marine Resources for Aquaria and Research are promulgated pursuant to Sections 5, 6, 7 and 8 of RPPL 4-1 and the Marine Protection Act of 1994. These regulations regulate, control and monitor the taking and export of fish and other marine resources for aquarium purposes, as well as provide for a permit system for the taking of fish and other marine resources for local aquarium use and/or for scientific, maricultural/aquacultural or medical research.
The purposes of these regulations are to: (1) encourage a sustainable and prosperous local industry based on the collection of fish and other marine resources used in aquaria while ensuring that other benefits derived from these resources are not lost, threatened or endangered; (2) provide a permit system whereby appropriate marine-related research is encouraged and research benefits accrue as much as possible to Palau; and (3) provide for the inspection and record-keeping of the taking and export of fish and other marine resources for aquarium and research purposes from Palau. The Regulations include fourteen articles on permits required, limits on the total number of aquarium collecting permits, eligibility requirements for permits, the process for the issuance of permits, gears and methods allowed to take fish and other marine resources for aquarium purposes, species restrictions, revocability of permits and penalties.