Decree-Law No. 6/2004 on the legal regime for the management and regulation of fisheries and aquaculture.

This Decree-Law, composed of 181 articles, establishes the principles and basic legislation for the exploitation and regulation of fishing resources in national waters and high seas, as well as the principles and rules for the establishment and exercise of aquaculture activities. It applies to individual or corporate bodies, whether national or foreign. In particular, it rules on management and regulation of fisheries and aquaculture. Moreover, it provides general licensing conditions and regulates foreign fishing vessels’ permits. The granting of a fishing permit shall give rise to a fishing quota in the fishing or area defined in the permit, where the species to be caught are subject to quotas. The Decree also regulates artisanal, semi-industrial and industrial fishing vessels. The Decree pays particular attention to conservation measures, as well as sustainable exploitation of resources and protection of aquatic environment. Finally, it provides control and sanctioning measures.