(a) to reform and restate the law relating to fisheries resources; and (b) to recognise New Zealand's international obligations relating to fishing; and The Fisheries Act 1996 is a New Zealand Act of Parliament.

It is divided into five areas: recreational, customary, environmental, commercial and international fishing.

The Act mostly deals with the minimum size requirements and maximum quantity limit for each species of fish and seafood before they can be caught for selling or consumption.

Officers are empowered with powers of search, arrest, seizure and issuance of fines.

For example, section 186 deals with temporary closures of customary Māori fisheries, a process known as rāhui.