The text of the Act consists of 22 sections divided into 5 Parts: General (I); Licensing (II); Powers of authorized Officers (III); Additional Offences and Legal Proceedings (IV); Miscellaneous (V).
This Act lays down provisions on the licensing of local fishing vessels, entry and fishing by foreign fishing vessels within the fishery limits, fish processing establishments, powers of authorized officers, prohibited fishing gears and methods, offences and penalties, fishing for scientific purposes, and protection of native customary rights.
The Minister may appoint a Chief Fisheries Officer and such other fisheries officers and licensing officers as he may consider necessary for the carrying out of the purposes of this Act (sect. 3, comma [2]). Section 4 provides for the licensing of local fishing vessels. Section 5 makes provision for entry and fishing requirements for foreign vessels. The Chief Fisheries Officer shall be responsible for the granting of fishing licences and licenses for the operation of fish processing establishments. The Beretitenti may make regulations concerning matters specified in section 22 and other matters deemed to be necessary for the implementation of the provisions of this Act.