License approval and issuance

(1) The Director shall have regard to the following matters in determining whether or not to grant a high seas fishing (a) the capacity of Belize to implement its obligations under the Compliance Agreement and the Fish Stocks Agreement and with regard to the international conservation and management measures which are recognized by Belize; (b) there is no evidence suggesting that the vessel is operating or has previously operated in a manner that may breach or have breached any obligations or requirements of an international treaty; (c) any other relevant matters. (2) The Director shall be responsible for approving guidelines and /or promulgating regulations governing the issuance of licenses or authorizations pursuant to this Act. (3) The owners/operators of a registered vessel shall designate an agent resident in Belize who shall act for or on behalf of that vessel and represent that vessel in all matters relating to the enforcement of this Act. 26 (4) Any fishing vessel which requires a license to fish or to carry out fishing related activities on the high seas shall be duly registered with IMMARBE. (5) The Director shall review each application submitted pursuant to this Act and determine whether or not it qualifies for a licence. (6) Applications for licenses shall be in such a form as the Director may require or as may be prescribed and shall specify, inter alia– (a) the name, call sign, registration number, name and address of owners and operators; (b) the tonnage, capacity, gear type, processing equipment and such pertinent information with respect to the characteristics of the vessel as the Director may require; (c) the area of operation, intended ports of discharge, species to be targeted etc. (7) Licenses may be issued after application is made in accordance with this Act and the required documentation is submitted and the fees paid. (8) The Director may attach such conditions to a license as conditions as may be prescribed. (9) The Regulations made under this Act may provide for– (a) a form and procedures for application for a (b) any conditions which may or shall be attached to a license; High Seas Fishing 27 (c) criteria for renewal, refusal, suspension or cancellation of a license; (d) fees, contributions and other forms of payment for licenses; (e) period of validity of licenses; (f) offenses, fines and penalties.