Regulations relating to a prohibition against fishing for Greenland halibut in the territorial and internal waters of Svalbard in 2009

On 18 December 2008, under the Act of 17 December 1976 No. 91 relating to the Economic Zone of Norway, cf. section 4 of the Act of 17 July 1925 No. 11 relating to Svalbard, section 16 of the Act of 6 June 2008 No. 37 relating to the management of wild living marine resources, cf. section 1 of the Regulations of 28 April 1978 No. 20 relating to regulatory measures for fishing in the territorial and internal waters of Svalbard, the Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs laid down the following regulations:

Section 1 Scop
These regulations apply to fishing operations in the territorial and internal waters of Svalbard using Norwegian and foreign vessels of any type engaged in commercial fishing operations or assisting the fishing fleet, including search vessels and experimental fishing vessels.

Section 2 General prohibition
It is prohibited to fish for Greenland halibut.

Section 3 Bycatches
During fishing for other species, it is permitted to have an intermixture of Greenland halibut of up to 7% on board at the end of fishing operations and in the catch landed. Nevertheless, a bycatch of up to 12% Greenland halibut is permitted in each catch.

Section 4 Penal measures
Any person who wilfully or negligently contravenes the provisions of these regulations is subject to a penalty under section 4 of the Act of 17 July 1925 No. 11 relating to Svalbard or sections 61 and 64 of the Act of 6 June 2008 No. 37 relating to the management of wild living marine resources. Complicity or an attempt to contravene the said provisions is subject to the same penalty.

Section 5 Entry into force
These regulations enter into force on 1 January 2009 and apply up to and including 31 December 2009.