Fisheries law of the Federal Republic of Somalia (Review of 2016).

This Law makes provision for the management and conservation of (principally) marine aquatic resources and habitat and the development of the fishery industry in Somalia. The Law consists 44 sections divided into 8 Parts (without titles). The Act also designates the Somali coastline of 200 nautical miles width and within this a protection zone that protects coastal fishermen and of 24 nautical miles. Only coastal fishermen are allowed to fish within 24 nautical miles.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources of Somalia shall be the principal authority for the management and conservation of fish resources. This shall be done in accordance with principles set out in this Law. The Ministry shall cooperate and consult with state organs, International Organizations and with Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders in the country, to promote the development traditional and industrial fisheries and other related industries. The Ministry shall prepare management and development plans for fisheries in Somali waters in accordance with this Law, and will ensure that fisheries development programs are based on those plans. The Law requires the Ministry to adopt certain measures relative to gear, seasons, aquaculture, landing of fish, etc. The Ministry may impose limitations on fisheries through a licensing system. The Ministry issues fishing licenses to fishing vessels operating in Somali waters while considering the Regional States in which the vessels are operating. No person shall use any vessel for fishing in Somali waters without having a valid registered fishing license. No foreign fishing vessel shall fish, attempt to fish or participate in fishing operations in Somali waters without a valid license issued under this Law. The foreign fishing vessel must also obtain a an entry permit. All fishing licenses issued by regional administrations or subsequent interim governments between January 1991 and before the ratification of this Somalia fisheries law, shall be invalid with effect from the date this law comes into force.
No one shall be permitted to fish endangered aquatic organisms in Somali waters. Except with a written permission of the Ministry, no one shall collect or destroy corals reefs, mangrove trees and sea shells. The Law furthermore: Lists various prohibited acts such as prohibited fishing methods, catching of marine mammals and turtles, Polluting Fishing Waters, Destruction of Coral Reefs and mangrove trees; Provides with respect to employment of Somalis on foreign fishing vessels; Provides for measures of enforcement; Defines offences and prescribed penalties for such offences; defines regulation-making powers of the Minister.