Guinea’s new Maritime Fisheries Code is now in force.
President Mamadi Doumbouya signed the decree promulgating the code on Monday, August 31, 2026, in a measure read on national television.
The decree sets out the scope of the new regulatory framework and defines the categories of maritime fishing according to the means used and the characteristics of vessels.
It applies within Guinea’s land and maritime areas to any individual or company involved in fishing, as well as to fishing gear, vessels, equipment, and establishments that pack, store, process, preserve, market, transform, or distribute fish and related species.
The rules also extend beyond Guinean waters to Guinean nationals and Guinean fishing gear and vessels engaged in maritime fishing.
The new text repeals and replaces Decree D-97-227 PRG-SGG of October 16, 1997, which established the general implementing regulations of the previous Maritime Fisheries Code.
However, authorizations, licenses, and permits issued under the old regime remain valid until they expire, and renewals are processed under the new rules.
The decree defines four categories of fishing:
- Traditional artisanal maritime fishing, carried out on foot or from non-motorized pirogue-type vessels using paddling or sailing, with gear such as gillnets, cast nets, lines, longlines, or traps.
- Motorized artisanal maritime fishing, from non-decked pirogue-type vessels up to 24 meters in overall length, with engines of 60 horsepower or less, using passive gear (except purse seine) and preserving catch only with ice or salt.
- Semi-industrial maritime fishing, from decked vessels up to 25 meters in overall length, with a capacity of 45 gross tons or less, engines between 60 and 250 horsepower, and catch preserved only with ice or salt.
- Industrial maritime fishing, from decked vessels with engines of 250 horsepower or more, using mechanical means to set or haul gear, and preserving catch by freezing, ice, or refrigerated water.
The minister in charge of maritime fisheries may prescribe additional criteria for identifying sub-categories of artisanal and industrial fishing by order.
In line with Article 189 of Law L2025-019-CNT of May 30, 2025, which established the code, regulatory provisions adopted under the earlier 2015 code remain in force until new measures are adopted on the same matters, provided they are not incompatible with the new decree.
The decree took effect on the date of its signature and will be registered and published in the Official Journal of the Republic.
Source: Guineematin.com