The marine and coastal resources of PL require protection and management at a national level through the Ministry. However, implementation of management can take place at regional or community level.

1. Marine resources will be sustainably used by imposing appropriate control measures. Such measures may include a variety of input and output controls, including seasonal closures, size limits, total allowable quantities and gear limitations.
2. All consumptive use of marine resources will require a license (fishing rights) form the ministry, except subsistence fishers who require gratis registration.
3. A precautionary approach (Fisheries management measures) will be adopted wherever information on stocks is inadequate.
4. Management plans will be developed and implemented for the major resource. Management plans will incorporate scientific, as will as social and economic, considerations.
5. Destructive harvesting practice (fishing methods) will not be allowed.
6. Different categories (sectors) of use are identified as follows:

A- Subsistence
B- Artisanal - Puntland
C- Foreign
D- Industrial Puntland
E- Recreational
F- Experimental

 

7. The right to fish is granted in any one of the above sectors
8. Some fishing zones may be specifically reserved for certain user sectors, e.g. inshore for Artisanal fisheries. This will include protecting the rights of inshore fisheries and their gear from industrial operators.
9. Foreign fisheries may be required to land or declare their catches at pre-specified sites.
10. All fishing vessels will be registered.
11. Some areas (zones) may be declared limited or no-use reserves to protect the environment and its resources.
12. Fishery compliance will be taken very seriously and violation of the law may result in fines, confiscations, loss of fishing right, or a combination of both.
13. Penalties will be determined in accordance with potential benefit the transgressor may have derived.