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Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act 1996, No. 2 of 1996.

Country/Territory
Sri Lanka
Document type
Legislation
Date
1996 (2016)
Source
FAO, FAOLEX
Original source
Official publication, pp. 1-35.
Long title
An Act to provide for the management, regulation, conservation and development of fisheries and aquatic resources in Sri Lanka; to repeal the Fisheries Ordinance (Chapter 212), The Chank Fisheries Act (Chapter 214) and the Whaling Ordinance (Chapter 215); and to provide for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto.
Subject
Fisheries
Keyword
Framework law Marine fisheries Inland fisheries Institution Fishing vessel Registration Foreign fishing Fishing gear/fishing method Aquaculture Dispute settlement Offences/penalties Fishing authorization Fishery management and conservation Authorization/permit
Geographical area
Asia, Asia and the Pacific, Indian Ocean, South Asian Seas, Southern Asia
Abstract

This Act provides for the management, regulation, conservation and development of fisheries and aquatic resources in Sri Lanka. It comprises 67 sections in 10 Parts. Part I deals with fisheries administration. It institutes a Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Advisory Council to advise the Minister of Fisheries on all matters relating to fisheries and aquatic resources management (sect. 3). Part II deals with licences. A licence must be obtained for fishing which must be practised in accordance with the conditions attached to the licence. The licence is valid for a maximum of one year and can be renewed but not transferred. Any infringement of Sri Lanka fisheries legislation can lead to the withdrawal of the licence. Fishing boat registration is covered by Part III. The Director is responsible for keeping the register of local fishing boats. All boat-owners wishing to fish in Sri Lanka waters must register their vessel. Aquatic resource protection measures are dealt with in Part IV. Prohibitions and restrictions are imposed on certain fishing methods, and on imports and exports likely to adversely affect the management of aquatic resources in Sri Lanka. It also empowers the Minister of Fisheries to issue regulations setting up fishing zones to be allocated to local groups of fishermen. The fishermen may also make recommendations regarding fisheries management. Part V deals with fisheries reserves in which, except upon a permit obtained from the authorities, it is prohibited to fish or damage the ecosystems. Part VI relates to aquaculture. Certain zones are set aside for the purpose of aquaculture, for which a licence is required, to which certain terms and conditions are attached. Part VII deals with the settlement of fishing disputes. Lastly, Parts VIII and IX deal, respectively, with the powers of the fisheries administration officers, and the fines and penalties for offences against fisheries legislation. Part X sets out the powers of the Minister of Fisheries and provides definitions of the main terms used in the Act.

Full text
English
Website
fisheriesdept.gov.lk

References - Legislation

Repeals

Pearl Fisheries Ordinance.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 1925 (1960)

Keyword: Marine fisheries, Molluscs, Fishing authorization, Enforcement/compliance, Fishery management and conservation, Protected fishing area, Offences/penalties, Authorization/permit

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Fisheries Ordinance (Cap. 212).

Legislation | Sri Lanka

Keyword: Basic legislation, Marine fisheries, Institution, Fishery management and conservation, Alien species, Fishing gear/fishing method, Dispute settlement, Enforcement/compliance, Offences/penalties, Fishing authorization, Authorization/permit

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Whaling Ordinance 1936, Ordinance No. 2.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 1936

Keyword: Marine mammals, Management/conservation, Hunting authorization/permit, Inspection, Offences/penalties

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Chank Fishery Act.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 1953 (1955)

Keyword: Marine fisheries, Molluscs, Fishery management and conservation, Registration, Fishing gear/fishing method, Protected fishing area, International trade, Enforcement/compliance, Offences/penalties, Fishing authorization, Authorization/permit

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Implemented by

Inland Fisheries Management Regulations of 1996.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 1996

Keyword: Inland fisheries, Fishing gear/fishing method, Fishery management and conservation, Fishing vessel, Seasons, Stock enhancement/repopulation, Fishing authorization, Fishing charge, Authorization/permit

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Aquaculture Management Regulations of 1996.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 1996

Keyword: Aquaculture, Mariculture

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Fishing Operations Regulations of 1996.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 1996

Keyword: Marine fisheries, Fishery management and conservation, Fishing gear/fishing method, Fishing authorization, Authorization/permit, Hunting/capture, Marine mammals

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Fish Products (Export) Regulations.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 1998

Keyword: Institution, Aquaculture, Inspection, Hygiene/sanitary procedures, Cartilaginous fishes, Food quality control/food safety, Fish products

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Export and Import of Live Fish Regulations, 1998.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 1998

Keyword: Inspection, International trade, Authorization/permit, Hygiene/sanitary procedures, Fish products, Food quality control/food safety

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Fish Processing Establishments Regulations, 1998.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 1998

Keyword: Fish products, Processing/handling, Authorization/permit, Food quality control/food safety

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Order under Section 31 of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, No. 2 of 1996.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2008

Keyword: Aquaculture, Mariculture, Fishing area, Fishery management and conservation

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Order under Section 31 of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, No. 2 of 1996 establishing a Fisheries Management Area.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2010

Keyword: Fishery management and conservation, Fishing area, Marine fisheries

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Fisheries (Cancellation of Fees) Regulation, 2011.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2011

Keyword: Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings, Fishing authorization, Tax/levy, Fishing charge, Fishery management and conservation, Authorization/permit

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Inland Fishing Operations Regulations, 2011.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2011

Keyword: Inland fisheries, Fishing gear/fishing method, Fishery management and conservation, Seasons, Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings, Fishing authorization, Fishing charge, Authorization/permit

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Notification under Section 34 of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, No. 2 of 1996.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2009

Keyword: Fishery management and conservation, Marine fisheries, Crustaceans, Seasons, Aquatic animals

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Fisheries Management (Collection of dead shells) Regulations, 2012.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2012

Keyword: Molluscs, Wildlife products, Authorization/permit, Protection of species

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Regulations amending Landing of Fish Regulations, 1997.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2011

Keyword: Marine fisheries, Landing, Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings, Foreign fishing, Fishery management and conservation

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Regulation of the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development under Section 61, read with Section 30 of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, No. 2 of 1996.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2013

Keyword: Fishing charge, Marine fisheries, Marine fishes

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Fishing Operations Regulations of catching Chank or Lobster in the South Coast (Hambantota District) Fisheries Management Area, 2012.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2012

Keyword: Fishery management and conservation, Fishing area, Crustaceans, Molluscs, Fishing authorization, Aquatic animals, Authorization/permit

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Order of the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development under paragraph (a) of Sub-section (1) of Section 31 of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, No. 2 of 1996.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2013

Keyword: Fishery management and conservation, Fishing area, Marine fisheries

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Order of the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development under paragraph (a) of Sub-section (1) of Section 31 of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, No. 2 of 1996.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2012

Keyword: Fishery management and conservation, Fishing area

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Fishing Operations Regulations of Catching Live Ornamental Fish or Lobster in the South Coast (Matara and Galle District) Fisheries Management Area, 2012.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2012

Keyword: Marine fisheries, Fishery management and conservation, Fishing area, Fishing gear/fishing method, Crustaceans, Fishing authorization, Aquatic animals, Authorization/permit

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Fish Catch Data Collection Regulations, 2012.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2012

Keyword: Fishery management and conservation, Fishing vessel, International trade, Allocation/quota, Data collection/reporting, Certification, Marine fisheries

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Prohibition of Catching Thresher Shark Regulations 2012.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2012

Keyword: Aquatic animals, Bycatch, Cartilaginous fishes, Protection of species, Fishery management and conservation, Marine fisheries, High seas

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Fishing (Import and Export) Regulations, 2010.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2010

Keyword: Inspection, International trade, Authorization/permit, Fish products, Fishery management and conservation, Fishing authorization, Hygiene/sanitary procedures, Food quality control/food safety

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

High Seas Fishing Operations Regulations No. 1 of 2014.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2014

Keyword: Marine fisheries, Fishery management and conservation, Fishing gear/fishing method, High seas, Fishing authorization, Fishing area, Fishing vessel, Foreign fishing, Cartilaginous fishes, Authorization/permit

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Fish Catch Data Collection Regulations, 2014.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2014

Keyword: Marine fisheries, Fishery management and conservation, Fishing authorization, Total allowable catch, Transport/storage, Data collection/reporting, Certification, International trade, Fish products, Foreign fishing, High seas, Authorization/permit

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Shark Fisheries Management Regulations, 2015.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2015

Keyword: Marine fisheries, Fishery management and conservation, Fishing gear/fishing method, Fishing authorization, Cartilaginous fishes, Fish products, Fishing area, Protection of species, Bycatch, Authorization/permit

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Conservation of Fish and Aquatic Resources within Sri Lanka Waters Regulations 2016.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2017

Keyword: Pollution control, Marine pollution, Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings, Fishery management and conservation, Freshwater pollution, Effluent waste water/discharge

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Regulations on the Minimum Standards for the Citizens of Sri Lanka engaged in Fishing Operations in Foreign Flagged Fishing Vessels.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2019

Keyword: Fishery management and conservation, Foreign fishing, High seas, Marine fisheries, Sustainable development, Sustainable use

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Issuance of Certificates of Competence for Skippers (Local Fishing Board) Regulations, 2019.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2019

Keyword: Certification, Authorization/permit, Fishing vessel

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Lobster Fisheries Management Regulations, 2000.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2000

Keyword: Authorization/permit, Fishing area, Fishing gear/fishing method, Governance, International trade, Size, Transport/storage, Fishery management and conservation

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Fish and Fishery Products, Export, Import and Re-export Management Regulations, 2017.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2017

Keyword: Fish products, Fishery management and conservation, Inspection, Marine fisheries, Foreign fishing, Trade in species, Food quality control/food safety, Monitoring, Hygiene/sanitary procedures, Public health, Treated food, Registration, Authorization/permit, Internal trade, International trade, Standards

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Order made to designate the Kokkilai Lagoon in Mullaitivu and Trincomalee Districts as a Fisheries Management Area.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2015

Keyword: Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings, Fishery management and conservation, Fishing area, Inland fisheries

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Shark Fisheries Management (High seas) Regulations, 2015.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2015

Keyword: Marine fisheries, Fishery management and conservation, Fishing gear/fishing method, Fishing authorization, Cartilaginous fishes, Fish products, Fishing area, Protection of species, High seas, Bycatch, Authorization/permit

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Order made to designate the Koggala Lagoon in Habaraduwa D/S Division, Galle District as a Fisheries Management Area.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2016

Keyword: Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings, Fishery management and conservation, Fishing area, Inland fisheries

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Order made to designate the Thalan (Dedduwa) Lagoon in Habaraduwa D/S Division, Galle District as a Fisheries Management Area.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2016

Keyword: Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings, Fishery management and conservation, Fishing area, Inland fisheries

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Order made to designate the Garanduwa Lagoon in Weligama D/S Division, Matara District as a Fisheries Management Area.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2016

Keyword: Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings, Fishery management and conservation, Fishing area, Inland fisheries

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Order made to designate the Madampe Lagoon in Hikkaduwa and Ambalangoda D/S Division, Galle District as a Fisheries Management Area.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2016

Keyword: Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings, Fishery management and conservation, Fishing area, Inland fisheries

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Prohibition of Use of Spears in Fishing Operations Regulations No. 1 of 2017.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2017

Keyword: Marine fisheries, Inland fisheries, Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings, Fishery management and conservation, Fishing gear/fishing method

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Prohibition of Catching Fish Species Thambuwa (cephalopholis sonnerati) Regulations 2017.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2017

Keyword: Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings, Marine fishes

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Notification of the list of Fisheries Management Committees registered for Kokilai Lagoon Fisheries Management Area.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2016

Keyword: Institution, Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings, Fishery management and conservation, Fishing area, Inland fisheries

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Order to designate the Chilaw Lagoon and Dutch Canal in North upto Mutupanthiya as a Fisheries Management Area.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2016

Keyword: Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings, Fishery management and conservation, Fishing area, Inland fisheries

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Order to designate the Urani Lagoon and the Kottakal Lagoon as a Fisheries Management Area.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2016

Keyword: Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings, Fishery management and conservation, Fishing area, Inland fisheries

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Regulations made to amend the High Seas Fishing Operations Regulations No. 1 of 2014.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2015

Keyword: Marine fisheries, Fishery management and conservation, Fishing gear/fishing method, Fishing authorization, High seas, Fishing vessel, Marking/identification, Monitoring, Transshipment, Authorization/permit

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Minimum Standards for the Citizens of Sri Lanka engaged in Fishing Operations in Foreign Flagged Fishing Vessels Regulations of 2015.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2015

Keyword: Marine fisheries, Fishery management and conservation, Fishing authorization, Fishing vessel, Foreign fishing, Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings, High seas, Authorization/permit

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Implementation of Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal Unreported and Unregulated Fishing Regulations 2015.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2015

Keyword: Marine fisheries, Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings, Access-to-information, Fishing vessel, Foreign fishing, High seas, Monitoring, Fishing authorization, Registration, Fishery management and conservation, Cartilaginous fishes, Authorization/permit

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Fishing Gear Marking Regulations No. I of 2015.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2015

Keyword: Marine fisheries, Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings, Access-to-information, Monitoring, Fishery management and conservation, Fishing gear/fishing method, Marking/identification

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Implementation of Satellite based Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) for Fishing Boats Operating in High Seas Regulations 2015.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2015

Keyword: Marine fisheries, Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings, Access-to-information, Fishing gear/fishing method, Fishing vessel, High seas, Monitoring, Fishery management and conservation

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Amended by

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Amendment) Act, No. 22 of 2006.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2006

Keyword: Aquaculture, Dispute settlement, Offences/penalties, Authorization/permit

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Amendment) Act, No. 35 of 2013.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2013

Keyword: Fishery management and conservation, Fishing vessel, High seas, Institution, Marine fisheries, Registration, Fishing area, Policy/planning, Fishing authorization, Authorization/permit

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Amendment) Act, No. 2 of 2016.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2016

Keyword: Fishery management and conservation, Fishing vessel, Marine fisheries, Royalties/fees, Fishing gear/fishing method, Offences/penalties

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Amendment) Act, No. 2 of 2015.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2015

Keyword: Fishery management and conservation, Fishing vessel, High seas, Institution, Marine fisheries

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Amendment) Act, No. 11 of 2017.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2017

Keyword: Fishery management and conservation, Marine fisheries, Fishing gear/fishing method, Offences/penalties, Ecosystem preservation

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Amendment) Act, No. 4 of 2004.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2004

Keyword: Fishery management and conservation, Offences/penalties, Fishing gear/fishing method, Marine fisheries, Marine fishes, Protection of species

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Amendment) Act, No. 4 of 2020.

Legislation | Sri Lanka | 2000

Keyword: Fishery management and conservation, Governance

Source: FAO, FAOLEX