Marine and Aquatic Conservation Act

This Act shall be known as the Marine and Aquatic Conservation Act, enacted to protect and conserve marine and aquatic species that are vital to maintaining ecological balance, biodiversity, and sustainable fisheries. This Act establishes regulations to prevent the unlawful hunting, capturing, trading, and exploitation of these species.

Protected Marine and Aquatic Species

The following species are designated as protected under this Act due to their ecological significance, declining populations, and vulnerability to human activities:

• Dolphins (Delphinidae spp.) – Intelligent marine mammals critical to ocean ecosystems and indicators of ocean health.

• Sea Turtles (Cheloniidae and Dermochelyidae families) – Essential for marine biodiversity, aiding in the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs.

• Mako Shark (Isurus spp.) – A top predator vital for maintaining balance in the oceanic food chain.

• Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) – A keystone species with a significant role in regulating marine populations.

• Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara) – A large reef-dwelling fish crucial for coral reef ecosystem stability.

The government may revise the list of protected species based on scientific studies and conservation needs.

Marine and Aquatic species are split into the following categories:

Wholesale Fish

• Blue Fish

• Blue Gill

• Carp

• Catfish

• Cobia

• Crab

• Crappie

• Croaker

• Flounder

• Lane Snapper

• Large Mouth Bass

• Mackerel

• Oysters

• Rainbow Trout

• Red Snapper

• Salmon

• Sea Trout

• Small Mouth Bass

• Snook

• Striped Bass

• Sunfish

• Walleye

• Yellow Perch

Premium Wholesale Fish

• Amber Jack Tuna

• Blue Marlin

• Cod

• Ground Fish

• Grouper

• Halibut

• Lobster

• Mahi Mahi

• Red Fish

• Rockfish

• Sail Fish

• Shrimp

• Skip Jack Tuna

• Squid

• Sword Fish

• Wahoo

Protected Species

• Dolphin

• Goliath Grouper

• Killer Whale

• Mako Shark

• Sea Turtle

**See HF06 - Excessive Amounts

Prohibited Activities

Unless explicitly authorized under specific conservation programs, the following activities concerning protected species are strictly prohibited:

1. Hunting, fishing, capturing, or killing any protected marine or aquatic species.

2. Selling, trading, importing, or exporting any part of a protected species.

3. Disturbing, harassing, or harming protected species in their natural habitats.

4. Using destructive fishing practices, including explosives, poisons, or unsustainable fishing gear, in areas inhabited by protected species.

5. Pollution and habitat destruction, including the illegal discharge of waste and destruction of coral reefs essential to protected species.

Charges: HF03.2 - Illegal Fishing of Protected Species HF03.3 - Illegal Sell Protected of Species (fishing)

Permits and Exceptions

1. Emergency removal or relocation may be authorized if a protected species poses an immediate danger to human life or property, following government guidelines.

Penalties

1. For Individuals:

   • See: HF03.2 - Illegal Fishing of Protected Species and HF03.3 - Illegal Sell Protected of Species (fishing)

2. Additional Penalties:

   • Confiscation of equipment used in violation.

   • Lifetime ban on wildlife-related activities for repeat offenders.

Enforcement and Oversight

The law enforcement within the State of San Andreas shall oversee the enforcement of this Act. Routine patrols, monitoring, and public reporting mechanisms shall be established to prevent violations.

Public Awareness and Conservation Programs

The government shall implement education initiatives to raise awareness of the importance of marine conservation and support habitat restoration projects, marine reserves, and research programs to protect and rehabilitate endangered aquatic species.