Marine Wildlife Protection Regulations (S.R. 2009/18)

These Regulations of the Head of State provide for the protection of marine wildlife within the EEZ of Samoa and in particular for the conservation of marine mammals (Part II), turtles (III), sharks (IV) and species which migrate to spawn (V). The Regulations also provide for the designation of species of conservation concern and management plans for such species.
Accidents involving marine mammals shall be reported to the Division of Environment and the Fisheries Division. Whale and dolphin watching and eco-tourism activities within the vicinity of a marine mammal or a recognised marine mammal habitat must be licensed by the Division of Environment. Similar rules apply for turtles. The Regulations defines offences related to fishing for and landing of sharks. Species of marine wildlife which migrate in schools to spawn are determined from time to time by the Minister and notified by the Chief Executive Office. The Regulations define offences against such species. Also marine wildlife to be species of conservation shall be designated from time to time by the Minister. The Minister shall approve a management plan applying to the protection and conservation of such species.
The Regulations also concern licensing of operations in relation with marine research and define offences including offences in relation to the export of marine wildlife in breach of any provision or requirement of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.