(1) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (2), the Administrator may, by notification, regulate, restrict or prohibit the matters relating to––
(a) fishing in specified area by such class or classes of fishing vessels;
(b) the number of fishing vessels which may be used for fishing in specified area;
(c) fishing in any specified area of such species of fish and for such period;
(d) the use of such fishing gear or engine power or fish aggregating devices in specified area;
(e) fishing and fishing related activities in respect of such size in specified area;
(f) juvenile fishing and fishing related activities in specified area.
Explanation.––For the purposes of this clause, the expression “juvenile fishing” means fishing of a young fish or organism that has not reached sexual maturity and not yet capable of breeding;
(g) the size including the size of the mesh of fishing nets;
(h) the use of dynamites or any other explosive substances, poisons or noxious chemicals, or destructive materials or any destructive methods for fishing; and Authorisation of Officers.
Power to notify specified area, port, fishing harbour and fish landing centre.
Power to regulate or prohibit certain matters within specified areas.
4 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [Part II— 4 Prohibition of fishing or fishing related activities without licence.
(i) the hours in a day during which any person may carry on fishing or fishing related activities in specified area using such class or classes of fishing vessels.
(2) While issuing a notification under sub-section (1), the Administrator shall have due regard to the following, namely:––
(a) protect the interests of different sections of persons engaged in fishing, exempting country crafts and other small vessels and fishers from the purview of regulation for licence;
(b) conserve fish and regulate fishing on a scientific basis;
(c) maintain law and order at the sea; and
(d) any other matter as may be prescribed.
(3) No owner or Master of a fishing vessel shall use, or allow such fishing vessel to be used, for fishing or fishing related activities in any manner, which contravenes the provisions of this section:
Provided that nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing the passage of any fishing vessel from, or to, the shore, through any specified area to, or from, any area other than a specified area for the purpose of fishing or for any other purpose:
Provided further that the passing of such fishing vessel through any specified area shall not, in any manner, cause damage to fishing nets or tackles belonging to any person who engages in fishing in the specified area by using any traditional fishing craft such as catamaran, country craft and canoe, in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation.
CHAPTER II LICENSING OF FISHING AND FISHING RELATED ACTIVITIES