In October 2018, the Government of Jamaica passed a revised Fisheries Act with 25 Amendments.

The new act replaces the 1975 Fishing Industry Act and aims to foster a more enabling environment and legal framework for the Fisheries sector. It also aims to ensure that the sustainable management and development of fisheries and aquaculture in Jamaica.

Among the issues being addressed in the new bill are the proper licensing of fisheries operators through an established, transparent licensing authority and amplify measure to tackle poaching and unregulated fishing in the country's waters. Under the revised legislation, licences will be required for local and foreign fishing vessels, commercial fishing, commercial aquaculture and recreational fishing, licences will also be required for high seas fishing vessels and licences for the operation of commercial aquaculture facilities.

The Bill also allows for fines to be imposed on those found fishing in Jamaican waters without a valid licence and those failing to take responsible action in specific fishing practices such as reporting lost fishing vessels and failuire to have a licence on hand. However, the legislation exempts those fishing from a pond situated within a private property and those using a fishing line from the seashore from requiring licences.

Through a robust licencing authority and a more equipped Fisheries Division as a result of the new bill, the list of fines to be imposed will allow for more responsible fishing practices in the country and greater accountability within the sector. 

The revised act may be found here.