The Act outlines a general framework for the regulation of fishing and aquaculture in the waters of the Seychelles.
The Act consists of 28 sections and is divided into four Parts: Preliminary (I); Management of Fisheries (II); Enforcement (III); General Provisions (IV).
The Seychelles Fishing Authority established by Act of 1984 shall prepare and keep under review plans for the management and development of fisheries. These plans shall indicate the current state of fisheries, the objectives to be achieved and the management, development and licensing measures to be applied including the amount of fishing to be allocated to foreign fishing vessels. Each fisheries management plan shall be submitted to the Minister for approval. The Minister may make regulations concerning management and conservation measures such as close seasons, closed areas, use of gear, species and size of fish. Sections 6 to 8 included in part II authorize the Minister to enter into agreements for the allocation of fishing rights to foreigners and provides in general for foreign fishing in the Seychelles waters. Licences to foreign fishing vessels shall be granted only pursuant to an agreement except when the Minister determines that an agreement is not practical and the applicant provides sufficient financial and other guarantees for the fulfilment of obligations under this Act (sect. 7). Other provisions of part II deal with fishing by local vessels and for pleasure and with aquaculture (sect. 18).