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The Maharashtra Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1981

The Maharashtra Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1981

General198128 sections4 chapters

The Maharashtra Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1981, regulates commercial marine fishing activities, fishing vessel licensing, mandatory registration, and permitted gear usage along the state’s coastline. It applies to all vessel owners, captains, operators, and fishing cooperatives operating within Maharashtra’s territorial waters. This legislation matters because it protects the livelihoods of traditional, vulnerable fishermen using nonmotorized boats from unfair competition with larger mechanized vessels. Additionally, it is designed to conserve marine resources through scientific, sustainable fishing practices, maintain law and order on the sea, and empower official committees to monitor coastal security and resolve all local fishing disputes that may arise.

Start reading →Read full ActSections

Chapter I PRELIMINARY →

  1. 1Short title, extent and Commencement.
  2. 2Definitions.
  3. 3Constitution of Advisory and Monitoring Committees.

Chapter II REGULATION OF FISHING →

  1. 4Power to regulate, restrict or prohibit certain fishing activities within specified area.
  2. 5Prohibition of use of fishing vessels in contravention of any order made under section 4.
  3. 6Licensing of fishing vessels.
  4. 7Prohibition of using fishing vessels which are not licensed.
  5. 8Cancellation, suspension and amendment of licence.
  6. 8ALicensing of master or Operator (tandel).
  7. 9Registration of vessels.
  8. 10Information to be given to Registration Officer about movement of fishing vessel and his permission to be obtained.
  9. 11Returns to be made by owners of registered fishing vessels.
  10. 12Finality of orders under sections 6, 8 and 9.
  11. 13Appeals against orders refusing grant of license or registration, etc.

Chapter III PENALTIES →

  1. 14Power to enter and search fishing vessel.
  2. 15Disposal of seized fish.
  3. 16Adjudication.
  4. 17Imposition of penalty.
  5. 18Appeals against order of Adjudicating Officer and Appellate Authorities.
  6. 19Deleted.
  7. 20Power of Adjudicating Officer and the Appellate Authorities in relation to holding inquiry under this Act.
  8. 21General provision for punishment of offences.
  9. 21ACognizance of offences.
  10. 22Offences by companies.

Chapter IV MISCELLANEOUS →

  1. 23Exemptions.
  2. 24Protection of action taken in good faith.
  3. 25Power to make rules.
  4. 26Saving.

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