This Act lays down rules for the effective management and sustainable development of fisheries, aquaculture and other related activities in accordance with ecosystem approach and internationally recognized norms, standards and best practices. Guiding principles of this Act are to ensure effective management and sustainable use of fisheries resources, protection of fisheries and aquatic resources and human health, economic growth, employment, public participation, responsible fisheries, ecologically sustainable development of aquaculture and fisheries, and sustainable use of natural resources. This Act sets forth provisions on the establishment, structure and functions of the National Fisheries Authority and the National Fisheries Advisory Council; development of fishery and aquaculture management plans; declaration of special fishery research area, fishery management area and buffer zones; designation of fish sanctuary and closed season; protection of fish habitats and destruction of aquatic alien invasive species; procedures and principles for fishing permit, license and authorization; registration of fishing vessels; procedures for licensing of commercial fishing vessel and recreational fishing vessel; access agreements and licensing of foreign fishing vessel; procedures for high seas fishing vessel license; procedures for commercial aquaculture license; authorization procedures for educational or scientific research or survey operations; the establishment of appeals tribunal and enforcement measures; duties and powers of the observer; power of Fishery Inspector for seizure; and offences and penalties. The National Fisheries Authority shall be responsible for the management and development of fisheries and aquaculture in accordance with the provisions of this Act and carries out functions including the conservation of fisheries, assessment of fisheries and aquaculture, data collection, protection of coastal, marine and other aquatic environments, allocation of fish quotas, determination of total allowable catch, monitoring, control and enforcement of fishing activities, the imposition of measures to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, monitoring the implementation of fishery management plans, licensing, authorization, implementation of any obligation under international law, management, development, designation and zoning of the fisheries waters, fishing beaches and fishing and aquaculture facilities, designation of fishing area, and education related to fisheries and aquaculture. The Minister may make regulations for giving effect to the purposes and provisions of this Act.