SEA FISHERIES FISHING REGULATIONS
Regulation · Agriculture
Regulations govern fishing operations in Nigerian waters, including permitted gear types and seasonal closures. They target commercial and artisanal fishermen, as well as foreign vessels. This ensures the long-term sustainability of fisheries resources.
What Is This Policy?
These Regulations govern the conduct of fishing operations in Nigerian waters, covering permitted gear types, prohibited fishing areas, seasonal closures, and catch reporting obligations.
Who Does It Target?
Commercial and artisanal fishermen operating in Nigerian territorial waters Fishing vessel owners and crews Foreign vessels operating under access agreements in Nigerian waters
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
To prevent overfishing and habitat destruction, protect juvenile fish and spawning grounds, and ensure the long-term sustainable use of Nigeria's fisheries resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
Key Features
Prohibited Gear: Bans destructive fishing methods including fine mesh drag nets, electric fishing devices, explosives, and poisons Closed Fishing Areas: Designates specific sea areas, coastal zones, and lagoons as closed to commercial fishing to protect critical habitats Seasonal Fishing Closures: Imposes closed season restrictions during peak spawning periods for commercially important species Minimum Mesh Size: Sets minimum net mesh sizes to allow juvenile fish to escape and reduce unsustainable bycatch Catch Reporting: Requires licensed vessels to maintain logbooks and submit periodic catch reports to the fisheries authorities
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active enforcement through fisheries patrol vessels and port inspections Coverage: Nigerian territorial sea, exclusive economic zone, and all inland fisheries areas Funding: Federal government budget through the Department of Fisheries; licence fees
How to Access
Fishermen must hold a valid licence and comply with all gear, area, and seasonal restrictions before fishing. Valid Sea Fisheries (Licensing) Regulations licence for the vessel Approved gear meeting minimum mesh size and type requirements Logbook maintained and available for inspection by fisheries officers at any time Application method: Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Fisheries; enforcement by fisheries patrol boats and port inspectors
Important Terms
Using prohibited gear or fishing in closed areas may result in vessel detention, gear forfeiture, and prosecution Failure to submit catch reports as required is an offence under the Regulations
Official Resources
Website: www.fmard.gov.ng
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.