Joint Order No. 491/654 of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Natural Resources validating the Regulation on catches of king crab (Paralithodes camtschatica) in the Barents Sea.

This Joint Order regulates king crab (Paralithodes camtschatica) fishing in the Barents Sea by legal and natural persons. It shall not be applicable to artisanal or sport fishing. Restrictions imposed on fishing gear, methods, areas, and seasons, and on the size and sex of king crab shall not be applicable to fishing activities for scientific research purposes. King crab fishing shall be carried out in accordance with a fishing licence, and the following shall be prohibited: (a) to continue fishing after reaching the total allowable catch; (b) to have aboard other species than those specified in the fishing licence; (c) to falsify catch data; and (d) to fish during prohibited seasons or in prohibited fishing areas. Persons authorized to fish for king crab shall be obliged to register catch by pieces as well as by weight. Release of caught king crab subject to processing shall be prohibited.