Fisheries Management Act (10 of 2025).

The Fisheries Management Act 2025 establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the conservation, management, development, and sustainable use of Tuvalu’s living marine and fisheries resources for the benefit of present and future generations. The Act vests exclusive management and control of fisheries in the Government and sets out the roles and powers of the Minister, the Tuvalu Fisheries Authority, its Board, and the Managing Director. It provides for the designation of fisheries, the preparation and implementation of national and coastal fishery management plans, and the adoption of conservation and management measures consistent with the precautionary approach, best available scientific evidence, and Tuvalu’s international and regional fisheries obligations. The Act regulates domestic, foreign, and high seas fishing through a permitting and licensing system covering fishing vessels, fishing activities, aquaculture, marine scientific research, transhipment, and related activities. It strengthens monitoring, control, and surveillance through enforcement powers, observer and electronic monitoring systems, reporting requirements, and data ownership provisions. The Act prohibits destructive fishing practices, protects endangered species and marine ecosystems, addresses illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and establishes offences, penalties, forfeiture mechanisms, and legal procedures.