Marine Fisheries Regulations and Restrictions

Sierra Leone has introduced a progressive set of fisheries policies and regulatory measures designed to ensure sustainable exploitation of marine resources and promote responsible investment in the marine fisheries sector.

Key Regulatory Measures Include:

• No fishing is allowed within 12 Nautical Miles of the Inshore Exclusion Zone (IEZ) for any fishing vessel under Sierra Leone law.
• Heavy fines and administrative sanctions are imposed for any violations of the Fisheries Act and associated Regulations.
• Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) have been installed on all licensed fishing vessels, ensuring 100% observer coverage at sea.
• Management measures such as a seasonal closed fishing period have been enforced for industrial fishing vessels to allow stock replenishment.