Vanuatu EEZ

For the management, development and regulation of fisheries within Vanuatu waters.

Species of Concern: multiple

Restrictions

Vanuatu has sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring and exploiting, conserving and managing the natural resources, whether living or non-living, of these waters. Fishing restrictions, such as bag limits, seasons, and size restrictions apply. Please consult the local fishing laws for more information.

In accordance with the Fisheries Act,
1. Unless otherwise prescribed, a person must not, use for fishing, have on board a vessel or possess in any coastal fisheries area or customary fishing area:
a) any net, the mesh size of which does not conform to the minimum mesh size for that type of net as required or prescribed under by the regulations;
b) any fishing gear which does not conform to prescribed standards for that type of fishing gear;
c) any prohibited fishing gear which is prescribed by the regulations.
2. A person must not kill, take, land, sell or offer or expose for sale, deal in, transport, receive or possess any fish or part of any fish prescribed by the Minister as a prohibited species.
3. A person must not kill, take, land, sell or offer or expose for sale, deal in, transport, receive or buy any fish species not within the prescribed lengths prescribed by the Minister.
4. A person must not:
a) permit to be used, use or attempt to use any explosive, poison or other noxious substance for the purpose of killing, stunning, disabling or catching fish, or in any way rendering fish more easily caught;
b) carry or have in his or her possession or control any explosive, poison or other noxious substance in circumstances indicating an intention to use such substance for any purpose referred to in paragraph (a).
5. A person must not, within Vanuatu or in Vanuatu waters, on their own account or any other capacity:
a) allow or permit a person acting on his or her behalf;
or (b) use or permit a vessel to engage in fishing or related activity, to take or to import, export, land, transport, sell, receive, acquire, buy any fish or fish product taken, possessed, transported or sold in violation of any law or regulation of another State or of international conservation and management measures.

Under the Fisheries Act, a fishery of national importance is required to be designated through a Management Plan. Please see available management plans on the Vanuatu Fisheries Department website.

Allowed

Please consult local laws for information on allowed activities.