United Kingdom

Oversight Body: Marine Management Organization

Registry
Closed
ILO Conventions
- Ratified C188 in 2019
- Ratified MLC in 2013
SOLAS
- Ratified SOLAS in 1983

Topics

Laws

Employment Act 2002
- Labor Rules, Offenses, & Infractions
Fisheries Act 2020
- Fishing Offenses & Infractions
- Vessel Ownership & Legal Responsibility
- Vessel Registration & License Management
The Fishing Boats (Satellite-Tracking Devices and Electronic Reporting) (England) Scheme 2012
- Vessel Tracking
The Merchant Shipping (Registration of Fishing Vessels) Regulations 1988
- Vessel Registration & License Management
The Sea Fishing (Enforcement) Regulations 2018
- Fishing Offenses & Infractions
U.K., The Sharks, Skates and Rays (Prohibition of Fishing, Trans-shipment and Landing) (Scotland) Order 2012
- Fishing Offenses & Infractions
- Transshipment

The tool is only updated as of October, 2024 which means some legal matters may have changed in certain countries in the meanwhile.

The Global Fishing Legislative Database provides access to national fishing laws for coastal countries worldwide. This searchable database links to original legal texts and contains translated passages, offering clarity on regulations governing activities in different waters. It is designed to address questions about vessel licensing requirements, crew composition mandates, and permitted gear or practices, making it a resource for journalists, researchers, advocates, and policymakers.

The tool is a work in progress, with many countries not yet included. It focuses exclusively on national fishing rules, excluding local or tribal regulations or international agreements. It’s worth noting that regional fisheries management organization members are immediately bound by resolutions and have to implement them in national law within a specified time frame. The tool also does not encompass rules that apply to non-fishing activities such as mining or shipping. Users are encouraged to report errors or contribute additional legal data by contacting media@theoutlawocean.com. This initiative aims to expand transparency and understanding of global fishing regulations.

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