Article 1The purpose of this Act is to conserve and manage the living marine resources in Japan's exclusive economic zone, etc. in coordination with the measures, etc. taken under the Fishery Act (Act No. 267 of 1949) or the Act on the Protection of Fishery Resources (Act No. 313 of 1951), as well as to ensure the appropriate implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, thereby contributing to the development of fisheries and the stable supply of aquatic products, by establishing a plan for the conservation and management of living marine resources in Japan's exclusive economic zone, etc. and by taking the required measures to manage the fish catch and the fishing effort.

Article 2(1)The term "exclusive economic zone, etc." as used in this Act means Japan's exclusive economic zone, territorial seas, internal waters (excluding inland waters), and the continental shelf (meaning the continental shelf provided in Article 2 of Act on the Exclusive Economic Zone and the Continental Shelf (Act No. 74 of 1996).

(2)The term "total allowable catch" as used in this Act means the maximum limit of the annual quantity of each type of living marine resources which may be gathered or caught in the exclusive economic zone, etc.

(3)The term "fishing effort" as used in this Act means the amount of fishing work carried out for gathering or catching living marine resources, and which the amount is indicated for each type of gathering or catching mode by the number of fishing days and other indicators prescribed by Order of Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

(4)The term "total allowable effort" as used in this Act means the maximum limit of the total annual fishing effort in the exclusive economic zone, etc. for each type of living marine resources and for the gathering or catching mode to which each type is subject, and when each type of living marine resources are managed based on the fishing effort within designated areas of the sea or designated periods of time in relation to the gathering or catching mode, this means the maximum limit of the total annual fishing effort for each gathering or catching mode by the type of living marine resources, etc.

(5)The term "specified living marine resources" as used in this Act means Class I specified living marine resources and Class II specified living marine resources.

(6)The term "Class I specified living marine resources" as used in this Act means living marine resources which are appropriate to conserve and manage by deciding the total allowable effort for the exclusive economic zone, etc. and are specified by Cabinet Order.

(7)The term "Class II specified living marine resources" as used in this Act means living marine resources which are appropriate to conserve and manage by deciding the total allowable effort for the exclusive economic zone, etc. and are specified by Cabinet Order.

(8)When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries plans to establish, amend, or repeal the Cabinet Order set forth in the preceding two paragraphs, the Minister must hear the opinion of the Fisheries Policy Council.

Article 3(1)The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is to establish a basic plan on the conservation and management of living marine resources (hereinafter referred to as the "basic plan") for conserving and managing living marine resources in the exclusive economic zone, etc.

(2)The basic plan is to prescribe the following matters:

(3)The matters set forth in items (iii) and (viii) of the preceding paragraph are to be decided based on matters under item (ii) of the same paragraph and the relationship thereof to other living marine resources, etc., for the purpose of maintaining or restoring specified living marine resources to the level that allows maximum sustainable production to be realized, taking into account of the fishery management pertaining to the specified living marine resources and other circumstances.

(4)When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries seeks to establish the basic plan, the Minister must hear the opinion of the Fisheries Policy Council.

(5)When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries seeks to decide the quantity under paragraph (2), item (vi) or the amount under item (x) of the same paragraph, the Minister is to hear the opinions of the governors of each prefecture concerned with the relevant portion, in advance, and when the quantity or amount have been decided, they are to notify the governor of the prefecture concerned of the relevant portion without delay.

(6)When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has formulated the basic plan, the Minister must publicize it without delay.

(7)The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries must review the basic plan at least once a year, taking account of the trend for each specified living marine resource, the management of fisheries pertaining to the specified living marine resources, and other circumstances, and must change the basic plan when they find it necessary.

(8)In conducting the review under the preceding paragraph, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries must hear the opinion of the Fisheries Policy Council.

(9)The provisions of paragraphs (4) through (6) apply mutatis mutandis to the change to the basic plan pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (7).

Article 4(1)The governor of each prefecture is to formulate a prefectural plan concerning measures to be implemented for quantities under paragraph (2), item (vi) of the preceding Article or amounts under item (x) of the same paragraph, in line with the basic plan (hereinafter referred to as the "prefectural plan").

(2)the prefectural plan is to prescribe the following matters:

(3)When the governor of each prefecture seeks to establish a prefectural plan, the governor must obtain approval of the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

(4)When the governor of each prefecture seeks to establish a prefectural plan (excluding the matters listed in paragraph (2), items (ii) and (v); the same applies in paragraph (8)), the governor must hear the opinion of the relevant Sea Area Fishery Adjustment Commission.

(5)When the governor of each prefecture has formulated the prefectural plan, the governor must publicize it without delay.

(6)When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries finds that the prefectural plans do not conform to the basic plan due to a change in the basic plan, the Minister must notify the governor of the prefecture pertaining to the prefectural plan that the prefectural plan should be changed.

(7)When the governor of the prefecture concerned has received a notification pursuant to provisions of the preceding paragraph, the governor must change the prefectural plan.

(8)In addition to the cases referred to in the preceding paragraph, the governor of each prefecture must review the prefectural plan at least once a year, taking into account of the trend for designated living marine resources (meaning the Class I designated living marine resources and Class II designated living marine resources under paragraph (1) of the following Article; the same applies hereinafter), the management of fisheries pertaining to the specified living marine resources or designated living marine resources, and other circumstances, and change the plan when they find it necessary.

(9)In conducting the review under the preceding item, the governor of each prefecture must hear the opinion of the relevant Sea Area Fishery Adjustment Commission.

(10)The provisions of paragraphs (3) through (5) apply mutatis mutandis to a change in the prefectural plan pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (7) or (8).

Article 5(1)Among living marine resources other than specified living marine resources, the governor of each prefecture may designate, etc. living marine resources by Prefectural Ordinance as living marine resources to be conserved and managed in the sea area designated by Prefectural Ordinance (hereinafter referred to as "the designated sea area") by deciding the prefectural catch limit (meaning the maximum annual limit for gathering or catching each type of living marine resources in the designated sea area by persons other than those operating a designated fishery, etc. and specified by Cabinet Order set forth in Article 3, paragraph (2), item (vi); the same applies hereinafter) (hereinafter referred to as "Class I designated living marine resources") or may designate, etc. living marine resources by Prefectural Ordinance as living marine resources to be conserved and managed, by deciding the prefectural limit for fishing effort (meaning the maximum limit of the total annual fishing effort for the prefecture (the amount of fishing work (excluding work by persons who operate a designated fishery, etc.) carried out for gathering or catching each type of living marine resources, with this amount being expressed as a number of fishing days and by any other indicator provided in Prefectural Regulations for each gathering or catching mode related to that type of living marine resources; the same applies hereinafter) for each type of living marine resources and for the gathering or catching mode to which each such type is subject, and when each type of living marine resources are managed based on the prefectural fishing effort within designated sea areas or designated periods of time in relation to the gathering or catching mode, this means the maximum limit of the total annual fishing effort for the prefecture for each such gathering or catching mode for each type of living marine resources, etc.; the same applies hereinafter) (hereinafter referred to as "Class II designated living marine resources"), and when the governor designates Class I and Class II designated living marine resources, the governor is to prescribe the following matters in the prefectural plan:

(2)The matters set forth items (ii) and (v) of the preceding paragraph are to be decided based on the matter stated in item (i) of the same paragraph, the relationship thereof to other living marine resources, etc., for the purpose of maintaining or restoring designated living marine resource to the level that allow maximum sustainable production to be realized, taking into account fishery management pertaining to the designated living marine resources and other circumstances.

(3)Prefectural Ordinance for designating the sea area and living marine resources under paragraph (1) may be established if the prefecture finds it necessary to conserve and manage specific living marine resources by deciding the prefectural catch limits or prefectural fishing effort limits in the whole or part of those sea areas (limited to the exclusive economic zone, etc.; the same applies in Article 17, paragraph (3)) that border the prefecture.

Article 6A prefectural governor may make necessary requests to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries or the governor of any relevant prefecture about measures that should be taken by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries or by the governor of the relevant prefecture, when the governor finds it especially necessary for appropriately ensuring the effective implementation of the prefectural plan (limited to the matters provided in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article).

Article 7(1)The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and a prefectural governor must take in addition to the measures pursuant to the provisions of this Act, other necessary measures, such as restricting the gathering or catching of aquatic animals and plants pursuant to the provisions of Article 34, paragraph (1) of the Fishery Act (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 63, paragraph (1) of the same Act following the deemed replacement of terms), Article 34, paragraph (3) or (4), Article 39, paragraph (1) (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 63, paragraph (1) of the same Act following the deemed replacement of terms), Article 39, paragraph (5), Article 65, paragraph (1) or (2), or Article 66, paragraph (1) of the same Act, or Article 4, paragraph (1) or (2) of the Act on the Protection of Fishery Resources, for the Minister to achieve the basic plan (excluding the matters listed in Article 3, paragraph (2), items (vi) and (v)) and for the governor to achieve the prefectural plan.

(2)When a prefectural governor seeks to apply the provisions of Article 34, paragraph (4) of the Fishery Act for achieving the prefectural plan, the governor may attach restrictions or conditions to fishery rights regardless of the application filed by the relevant Sea Area Fishery Adjustment Commission provided in the same paragraph.In this case, the provisions of paragraph (2) of the same Article and Article 37, paragraph (4) of the same Act apply mutatis mutandis.

Article 8(1)If the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries finds that the amount of gathering or catching which is subject to quantity managed by the Minister is likely to exceed the quantity managed by the Minister, or that fishing effort which is subject to fishing effort managed by the Minister is likely to exceed the fishing effort managed by the Minister, the Minister is to make public the amount of gathering or catching, or fishing effort and other matters provided by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

(2)If a prefectural governor finds that the amount of gathering or catching subject to quantity of Class I designated living marine resources managed by the governor or quantity of Class I specified living marine resources managed by the governor (hereinafter collectively referred to as "quantity managed by the governor") is likely to exceed the quantity managed by the governor, or that fishing effort or prefectural fishing effort subject to fishing effort managed by the governor for Class II specified living marine resources or fishing effort managed by the governor for Class II designated living marine resources (hereinafter collectively referred to as "fishing effort managed by the governor") is likely to exceed the fishing effort managed by the governor, the governor is to make public the amount of gathering or catching, fishing effort, or prefectural fishing effort and other matters provided by Order of Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Article 9(1)If the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries finds it necessary so as not to allow the amount of gathering or catching subject to quantity management by the Minister to exceed the quantity managed by the Minister, or so as not to allow the fishing effort subject to fishing effort management by the Minister to exceed the fishing effort managed by the Minister, after publicizing information pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, the Minister may give necessary advice, guidance, or recommendations to the persons carrying out the gathering or catching related to the quantity managed by the Minister or fishing effort managed by the Minister, on their gathering or catching that is related to the quantity managed by the Minister or fishing effort managed by the Minister.

(2)If a prefectural governor finds it necessary so as not to allow the amount of gathering or catching subject to quantity managed by the governor to exceed the quantity managed by the governor, or so as not to allow the fishing effort subject to fishing effort managed by the governor to exceed the fishing effort managed by the governor after the publicizing information pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (2) of the preceding Article, the governor may give necessary advice, guidance, or recommendations to the persons carrying out the gathering or catching related to the quantity managed by the governor or fishing effort managed by the governor, on their gathering or catching that is related to the quantity managed by the governor or fishing effort managed by the governor.

Article 10(1)If the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries finds that the quantity of gathering or catching subject to quantity managed by the Minister has exceeded or is very likely to exceed the quantity managed by the Minister or that the fishing effort subject to fishing effort managed by the Minister has exceeded or is very likely to exceed the fishing effort managed by the Minister, the Minister may issue necessary order to the persons carrying out the gathering or catching related to the quantity managed by the Minister or fishing effort managed by the Minister, concerning the suspension of the gathering or catching being carried out for the purpose of gathering or catching the specified living marine resources related to the quantity managed by the Minister or fishing effort managed by the Minister and on other matters regarding the gathering or catching of the specified living marine resources, for a period prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

(2)If a prefectural governor finds that the amount of gathering or catching subject to quantity managed by the governor has exceeded or is very likely to exceed the quantity managed by the governor or that the fishing effort subject to fishing effort managed by the governor has exceeded or is very likely to exceed the fishing effort managed by the governor, the governor may issue a necessary order to the persons carrying out the gathering or catching pertaining to the quantity managed by the governor or fishing effort managed by the governor, concerning the suspension of the gathering or catching being carried out for the purpose of gathering or catching the designated living marine resources pertaining to the quantity managed by the governor or fishing effort managed by the governor, and on other matters regarding the gathering or catching of the designated living marine resources, for a period prescribed by Prefectural Regulations.

Article 11(1)The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries or a prefectural governor may allocate a catch limit related to quantity managed by the Minister or quantity managed by the governor for each person carrying out the gathering or catching, before the beginning of the one-year period in which control is to be subject to the quantity managed by the Minister or quantity managed by the governor, based on the basic plan for designated fisheries, etc. for the Minister and based on the prefectural plan for fisheries requiring permission or other dispositions by the governor pursuant to the provisions of regulations based on the provisions of Article 65, paragraph (1) or (2) of the Fishery Act, or Article 4, paragraph (1) or (2) of the Act on the Protection of Fishery Resources, or the provisions of Article 66, paragraph (1) of the Fishery Act (referred to as "fisheries permitted by the governor" in paragraph (1) of Article 18) for the governor.

(2)When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries or a prefectural governor seeks to make allocations under the preceding paragraph, the Minister or the governor must establish a standard for the allocations by taking into account at least the following matters, and make the allocations in conformity with that standard:

(3)When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry or Fisheries seeks to establish the standard under the preceding paragraph, the Minister must hear the opinions of the Fisheries Policy Council.

(4)When a prefectural governor seeks to establish the standard under paragraph (2), the governor must hear the opinion of the relevant Sea Area Fishery Adjustment Commission.

(5)A person who has been allocated a catch limit pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) may not catch more than the quantity of Class I specified living marine resources or of Class I designated living marine resources that the person has been allocated in the sea area pertaining to the allocation.

Article 12(1)When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries finds that a person carrying out gathering or catching related to quantity managed by the Minister has performed an act in violation of an order under Article 10, paragraph (1) or of the provisions of paragraph (5) of the preceding Article and is likely to continue to perform the act, or when the Minister finds that a person who carries out gathering or catching related to fishing effort managed by the Minister has performed an act in violation of an order under Article 10, paragraph (1) and is likely to continue to perform the act, the Minister may order the person carrying out the gathering or catching to anchor the ship used in the act in violation, and may specify the port and the period for anchorage.

(2)When a prefectural governor finds that a person carrying out gathering or catching related to quantity managed by the governor has performed an act in violation of an order under Article 10, paragraph (2) or of the provisions of paragraph (5) of the preceding Article and is likely to continue to perform the act, or finds that a person who carries out gathering or catching related to fishing effort managed by the governor has performed an act in violation of an order under Article 10, paragraph (2) and is likely to continue to perform the act, the governor may order the person carrying out the gathering or catching to anchor the ship used in the act in violation, and may specify the port and the period for anchorage.

(3)When the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries or a prefectural governor seeks to issue an order pursuant to the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, the Minister or the governor must hold a hearing, regardless of its classification as a proceeding for statement of opinions pursuant to the provisions of Article 13, paragraph (1) of the Administrative Procedure Act (Act No. 88 of 1993).

(4)The proceedings pertaining to a disposition pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) or (2) on a hearing date must be opened to the public.

Article 13(1)A person who carries out catching related to quantity managed by the Minister or fishing effort managed by the Minister may enter into an agreement on the conservation and management of the specified living marine resources related to the quantity managed by the Minister or fishing effort managed by the Minister, and may obtain certification from the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to the effect that the agreement is appropriate.

(2)A person who carries out catching related to quantity managed by the governor or fishing effort managed by the governor may enter into an agreement on the conservation and management of the specified living marine resources or designated living marine resources related to the quantity managed by the governor or fishing effort managed by the governor, and may obtain certification from the governor of the prefecture concerned to the effect that the agreement is appropriate.

(3)The agreement under either of the preceding two paragraphs (hereinafter simply referred to as the "agreement") is to prescribe the following matters:

Article 14(1)If a request for the certification set forth in paragraph (1) or (2) of the preceding Article falls under all of the following items, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries or a prefectural governor is to issue a certification as set forth in the relevant provision:

(2)Beyond what is provided for in the preceding paragraph, necessary matters concerning the certification of the agreement (including certification of changes to the agreement), and the withdrawal from or discontinuance of the agreement are specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 15(1)When a person participating in an agreement that has been certified pursuant to Article 13, paragraph (1) or (2) (hereinafter referred to as a "certified agreement") shows the certified agreement to a person who is not a participant thereto but who carries out the gathering or catching of the types of specified living marine resources or designated living marine resources subject to the certified agreement by the gathering or catching mode in the sea areas subject to the certified agreement and asks the non-participant to participate in the certified agreement, if there is a non-participant that does not agree to participate, the participant to the certified agreement may request the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries or the prefectural governor who has given certification pursuant to Article 13, paragraph (1) or (2) to make the necessary arrangements for obtaining the consent of that non-participant, as provided by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

(2)When a request has been made pursuant to the preceding paragraph, if the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries or a prefectural governor finds that the participation of the person who is not a participant to the certified agreement is appropriate in light of the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article and finds it especially necessary to request the person's participation in view of the content of the certified agreement, the Minister or the governor is to make the arrangements.

Article 16(1)If the number of persons participating in a certified agreement is not less than two thirds of all the persons who carry out the gathering or catching of the specified living marine resources or designated living marine resources subject to the certified agreement by the gathering or catching mode in the sea areas subject to the certified agreement, and if the number of all those persons exceed the rate prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and also conforms to other standards prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the participants may request that the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries or a prefectural governor take the necessary measures for the achievement of the purpose of the certified agreement, as provided by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

(2)If a request has been made pursuant to the preceding paragraph, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries or a prefectural governor is to take such measures as placing restrictions on gathering or catching the relevant aquatic animals or plants or any other appropriate measures pursuant to the provisions of Article 34, paragraph (1) of the Fishery Act (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 63, paragraph (1) of the same Act following the deemed replacement of terms), Article 34, paragraph (3) or (4), Article 65, paragraph (1) or (2), or Article 66, paragraph (1) of the Fishery Act, or Article 4, paragraph (1) or (2) of the Act on the Protection of Fishery Resources, taking into agreement the content of the request, if the Minister or the governor finds it necessary for adjustment of fisheries, protection and culture of aquatic resources, and public interest.

(3)When a prefectural governor seeks to apply the provisions of Article 34, paragraph (4) of the Fishery Act based on the request under paragraph (1), the governor may attach a restriction or condition on the fishing rights, regardless of the request made by the relevant Sea Area Fishery Adjustment Commission provided in the same paragraph.In this case, the provisions of paragraph (2) of the same Article and Article 37, paragraph (4) of the same Act apply mutatis mutandis.

(4)The provisions of the preceding paragraph apply mutatis mutandis when the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries seeks to apply the provisions of Article 34, paragraph (4) of the Fishery Act pursuant to the provisions of Article 136 of the same Act based on the request under paragraph (1).

Article 17(1)When a person who operates a designated fishery, etc. and is prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has gathered or caught Class I specified living marine resources in the exclusive economic zone, etc., the person must report the matters provided by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries concerning the amount gathered or caught and its status to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, as prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

(2)When a person who carries out gathering or catching related to fishing effort managed by the Minister has done fishing work related to fishing effort subject to the fishing effort managed by the Minister, the person must report the matters provided by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries concerning the fishing effort and gathering or catching status to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, as prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

(3)When a person who is prescribed in Prefectural Regulations and who is a person other than the person operating a designated fishery, etc. or the person specified by Cabinet Order under Article 3, paragraph (2), item (vi) has caught Class I specified living marine resources in the sea bordering the prefecture, or has gathered or caught the prefecture's Class I designated living marine resources in that prefecture's designated sea area, the person must report the matters provided by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries concerning the quantity gathered or caught and its status to the governor of the prefecture, as provided in Prefectural Regulations.

(4)When a person who carries out gathering or catching related to fishing effort managed by the governor has done fishing work related to the fishing effort or prefectural fishing effort subject to fishing effort managed by the governor, the person must report the matters prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries concerning the fishing effort or prefectural fishing effort and gathering or catching status to the governor of the relevant prefecture, as provided in Prefectural Regulations.

Article 18(1)The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries may ask a person who operates a designated fishery, etc. that gathers or catches specified living marine resources and other persons concerned, and a prefectural governor may ask a person who operates fishery permitted by the governor that gathers or catches specified living marine resources or designated living marine resources of the prefecture concerned and other persons concerned to report on their gathering or catching status and on any other necessary matters, or have their employees enter the fishing area, ship, workplace, office, or warehouse of those persons, to inspect the status of business or the catch, books, documents, or other objects, to the extent necessary for the implementation of this Act.

(2)An employee who carries out an on-site inspection pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph must carry an identification card and show it to the persons concerned.

(3)The authority for on-site inspection pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) may not be construed as being granted for criminal investigation.

Article 19The Fisheries Policy Council may ask a person who operates a designated fishery, etc. and who gathers or catches specified living marine resources or any other relevant persons to appear before the council or to make a report on necessary matters, or may have a member of the council or a person engaged in the affairs of the council carry out the necessary examination of the fishing area, ship, workplace, or office, if the council finds it necessary for dealing with a matter over which it holds authority pursuant to the provisions of this Act.

Article 20The affairs to be dealt with by a prefecture pursuant to the provisions of this Act (excluding Article 3, paragraph (5) (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to paragraph (9) of the same Article) and Article 6) are to be Type 1 statutory entrusted functions provided under Article 2, paragraph (9), item (i) of the Local Autonomy Act (Act No. 67 of 1947).

Article 21When Cabinet Order, Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Prefectural Ordinance, or Prefectural Regulation based on the provisions of this Act is to be established, amended, or repealed, the Cabinet Order, Order of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Prefectural Order, or Prefectural Regulation may prescribe necessary transitional measures (including transitional measures on penal provisions) to the extent reasonably judged to be necessary for the establishment, amendment, or repeal.

Article 22A person who falls under any of the following items is sentenced to imprisonment with work for not more than three years or a fine of not more than two million yen:

Article 23In the case referred to in item (1) or (2) of the preceding Article, the catch, their products, ships, fishing gear, and any other objects used for gathering or catching the living marine resources that are owned by or in the possession of an offender may be confiscated; provided, however, that if objects owned by the offender cannot be confiscated in whole or in part, their equivalent value may be collected.

Article 24A person who falls under any of the following items is punished by a fine of not more than 300,000 yen:

Article 25When a representative of a corporation or an agent, employee, or other worker of a corporation or of an individual has performed an act violating Article 22 or the preceding Article in relation to the business of the corporation or individual, the violator is punished, and the corporation or the individual is also be punished by the fine prescribed in the corresponding Article.