Regional Act No. 11 laying down rules for the improvement and protection of fish population and regulating fishing in inland waters. Country/Territory Italy Territorial subdivision Marche Document type Legislation Date 2003 Source FAO, FAOLEX Original source Bollettino Ufficiale della Regione Marche No. 51, 12 June 2003 Subject Fisheries, Water Keyword Inland fisheries Fishery management and conservation Stock enhancement/repopulation Non-commercial fishing Policy/planning Certification Fish disease Biodiversity Non-governmental entity Freshwater fishes Crustaceans Molluscs Registration Offences/penalties Fishing authorization Fishing charge Basic legislation Animal health Aquatic animals Authorization/permit Inland waters Freshwater resources management Classification/declassification Recreational water use Freshwater pollution Basin/catchment/watershed Pollution control Geographical area Alps, Europe, Europe and Central Asia, European Union Countries, Mediterranean, Southern Europe Abstract This Regional Act, which consists of six Chapters, aims at the preservation of fish species as well as crustaceans, molluscs and amphibians in the internal waters of the Marche Region. Article 2 indicates the geographical scope by giving the definition of inland waters. As regards the distribution of functions and duties, programming, coordination and elaboration of directives shall pertain to the regional authority. The Provinces shall exercise all related administrative functions. In particular, each Province shall set up a Technical and Advisory Committee for the Management of Inland Waters. Fishing and environmental associations shall be involved in the undertakings envisaged by this Act as per articles 5 and 6. Chapter II is entirely devoted to the protection and improvement of the fish population. The Regional Fish Chart is to be drawn up by the Regional Council as prescribed by article 7. The Provinces shall approve their plans as per article 8 and shall set up special repopulation zones (art. 9). Fish materials destined to repopulation purposes shall be accompanied by the health certificates referred to in article 12. Chapter III is concerned with the conservation of fish species and the preservation of the environment. The Provinces are entrusted with a number of tasks and powers intended for preserving the ecological balance. With a view to preserving biodiversity, article 18 prohibits the release into water courses of non autochtonous species. Chapter IV regulates fishing. As a general rule, only sport fishing shall be permitted in the inland waters of the Marche Region. Article 20 classifies those waters into three categories. The provisions contained in this Chapter deal in detail with fishing licence (art. 21), fishing licence fee (22), Fishermen’s Register (art. 23), Regional Fishing Calendar (art. 24), competitions and other recreational uses of inland waters (art. 27). Chapter V specifies those areas in which fishing is forbidden (art. 28) and lays down penalties (art. 29). Full text Italian Website www.regione.marche.it