SEA FISHERIES ACT
Act · Agriculture
An Act regulates fishing activities in Nigerian territorial waters and the exclusive economic zone. It targets commercial fishing vessel operators and enforcement agencies like the Nigerian Navy. This achieves sustainable management of marine resources and prevents illegal fishing.
What Is This Policy?
Legislation regulating fishing activities in Nigerian territorial waters and the EEZ, establishing a licensing regime for fishing vessels, protecting fish stocks from over-exploitation, and prescribing penalties for illegal fishing.
Who Does It Target?
Commercial fishing vessel operators (Nigerian and foreign) Industrial and artisanal fishing companies Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy for enforcement
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
To sustainably manage Nigeria's marine fisheries resources, prevent illegal unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and maximise the economic contribution of the fishing sector.
Key Features
Fishing Vessel Licences: All vessels fishing in Nigerian waters must hold a valid licence from the relevant authority. Quota System: Allows for the imposition of catch limits to prevent depletion of fish stocks. Observer Programme: Empowers authorities to place observers on licensed vessels to monitor compliance. Vessel Monitoring: Requires fitting of vessel monitoring systems on commercial fishing boats. Penalties: Provides for seizure of vessels, forfeiture of catch, and fines for unlicensed fishing.
Current Status
In force. Administered by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and enforced jointly by NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy, with licensing required for all commercial fishing vessels operating in Nigerian waters.
Apply for a fishing licence through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Register the vessel with NIMASA Install a vessel monitoring system as required Application method: Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (Fisheries Department)
Important Terms
Licences must be renewed annually Unlicensed fishing attracts vessel seizure and prosecution Foreign vessels require bilateral agreement coverage in addition to individual licences
Official Resources
Website: www.fmard.gov.ng Policy Summary Document | Federal Republic of Nigeria
Legal Framework
Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the Sea Fisheries Act Cap S4 LFN 2004, the Fisheries Act, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act 2007, the Territorial Waters Act, and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as ratified by Nigeria.