Master’s Degree in Fisheries and Natural Resources Legislation
Why this master’s programme?
The Master’s Degree in Fisheries and Natural Resources Legislation
Offers comprehensive training in the legal framework governing the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems and their resources. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the program explores the intersection of environmental law, fisheries economics, and biodiversity conservation, preparing students to address regulatory challenges in a sector crucial to food security and sustainable development.
Differentiating Advantages
- In-depth Analysis: Detailed study of international, European, and national regulations governing fisheries and aquaculture.
- Practical Approach: Development of skills for interpreting and applying legislation in real-world cases.
- Leading Experts: Faculty specializing in environmental law, marine biology, and natural resource management.
- Networking: Opportunities to connect with professionals from the public and private sectors.
- Global Perspective: Understanding the challenges and opportunities of fisheries management worldwide.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Masters
- Hours: 1600 H
- Start date:
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Lawyers specializing in environmental and maritime law who seek to deepen their knowledge of fisheries legislation and its impact on resource conservation.
- Marine biologists and ecologists interested in the sustainable management of fisheries resources and the application of legislation to protect ecosystems.
- Public administration officials (national, regional, or local) responsible for the regulation and control of fisheries, who wish to update their knowledge and improve the efficiency of their tasks.
- Fishing industry professionals (shipowners, fishers, marketers) who need to understand the legal framework to operate responsibly and avoid penalties.
- Graduates in Law, Environmental Science, Marine Biology, or related fields who aspire to a Professional career in the field of fisheries legislation and natural resource conservation.
Academic flexibility: Online modality with resources accessible 24/7, interactive discussion forums and personalized tutoring to adapt learning to your pace.
Objectives and skills
Managing and protecting aquatic biodiversity:
Implement pollution prevention protocols (MARPOL) and waste management on board, minimizing the environmental impact on vulnerable aquatic ecosystems.
Design and implement sustainable fisheries policies:
Establish catch quotas based on sound scientific data and actively monitor fish populations to prevent overexploitation.
Apply current legislation for the effective management of fishery resources:
“Identify and comply with regulations on catch quotas, closed seasons and minimum sizes, properly documenting fishing operations and reporting the required information to the competent authorities.”
To mediate and resolve conflicts related to the use of natural resources:
“To facilitate dialogue between stakeholders, considering legal, environmental and socioeconomic aspects to achieve fair and sustainable solutions.”
Assess the environmental impact of fishing activities:
Quantify the carbon footprint associated with different fishing methods and propose alternatives for its reduction.
Drafting technical and legal reports on fishing regulations:
“With precision, identifying the applicable legislation, analyzing its impact, and proposing solutions based on relevant case law.”
Study plan – Modules
1.1 Basic concepts: natural resource, public good, public domain, sustainability, and precaution.
1.2 Applicable sources of law: domestic, European/international legislation, soft law, and case law.
1.3 Governance principles: transparency, participation, accountability, and ecosystem approach.
1.4 Legal regime of the sea: maritime spaces and jurisdictions (structural view). 1.5 Rights and obligations of the coastal State, the flag State, and the port State.
1.6 Fisheries resources as heritage: access, allocation, equity, and conflicts of use.
1.7 Institutional framework: competent administrations, agencies, scientific committees, and advisory bodies.
1.8 Management instruments: plans, quotas, effort, closed seasons, Sizes, techniques, and technical measurements.
1.9 Responsibility and remediation: environmental damage, restoration, and compensation.
1.10 Ethics, compliance, and a “culture of legality” in the fishing sector.
2.1 Key conventions and treaties: structure, hierarchy, and applicability.
2.2 EEZ, high seas, continental shelf, and special areas: implications for fisheries.
2.3 Conservation and management on the high seas: challenges, coordination, and compliance.
2.4 Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs): operation and decisions. 2.5 Port State Measures: Landing Control, Inspections, and Cooperation.
2.6 IUU/Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing: Definitions, Typologies, Lists, and Measures Against Illegality.
2.7 Flags and Flag Control: Due Diligence and Responsibilities.
2.8 Bilateral and multilateral agreements: access, counterparts, clauses and verification.
2.9 Dispute settlement: mechanisms, arbitration and the role of international tribunals.
2.10 International cooperation: data exchange, observers and technical assistance.
3.1 Structure of the European framework: regulations, directives, delegated acts and implementation.
3.2 Management by TAC/quotas: allocation, relative stability, exchanges and adjustments.
3.3 Technical measures: gear, selectivity, discards, minimum sizes and spatial/temporal closures.
3.4 Control and inspection: traceability, electronic logbooks, VMS/AIS and operator obligations.
3.5 Landing obligation and bycatch management (legal-operational approach).
3.6 Access to waters and licensing regime: authorizations, conditions and penalties.
3.7 Structural policy: fleet, capacity, aid, funds and eligibility conditions.
<strong data-start="2889" 3.8 Marketing: market organization, labeling, consumer information, and chain of custody.
3.9 Litigation and compliance: remedies, precautionary measures, and relevant precedents.
3.10 Integration with the environment: consistency with conservation and biodiversity objectives.
4.1 Distribution of powers: State, regional communities/authorities, and local entities.
4.2 Types of fishing: artisanal/industrial, recreational, shellfish harvesting, aquaculture, and their regulations.
4.3 Licenses, permits, and authorizations: requirements, validity, modifications, and revocation.
4.4 Fishermen’s associations, producer organizations, and their regulations Corporate/Representative.
4.5 Effort management: censuses, capacity, sea days, power, and operational limitations.
4.6 Fishing bans, reserves, and protected areas: legal basis, procedure, and control.
4.7 Landing, first sale, and fish markets: obligations, documentation, and traceability.
<strong data-start="3940" 4.8 Infringements and sanctions: classification, proportionality, recidivism and confiscations.
4.9 Administrative sanctioning procedure: guarantees, evidence, appeals and prescription.
4.10 Inspection at sea/port: powers, reports, provisional measures and chain of custody.
5.1 Ecosystem approach: objectives, indicators, and biological limits.
5.2 Marine protected areas, reserves, and spatial measures: legal design and management.
5.3 Protected species and sensitive habitats: obligations, prohibitions, and exceptional authorizations.
5.4 Environmental impact assessment (EIA): fishing projects, ports, dredging, and Aquaculture.
5.5 Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA): Fisheries plans, coastal management, and MSP.
5.6 By-products, discards, and waste: Environmental obligations and the circular economy in the sector.
5.7 Marine pollution and liability: Spills, lost gear, plastics, and operator obligations.
<strong data-start="5002" 5.8 Climate change and adaptation: resilience, dynamic closures, and risk-based management.
5.9 Restoration and offsets: corrective measures, habitat banks, and monitoring.
5.10 Fisheries-conservation coordination: use conflicts and reconciliation mechanisms.
6.1 Traceability systems: from sea to consumer; Critical points and documentation.
6.2 Catch certificates, transshipments, and logistics chain control.
6.3 Control by technologies: VMS/AIS, ERS/electronic logs, e-observation (legal perspective).
6.4 Inspections and audits: planning, sampling, evidence, and findings.
<strong data-start="5725" 6.5 Evidence and proof: standards, sample custody, documentary and digital forensics.
6.6 Sanction regimes: administrative and, where applicable, criminal; Proportionality and effectiveness.
6.7 Corporate compliance: internal programs, codes, training, and reporting channels.
6.8 Due diligence in procurement: suppliers, risk flags, blacklists, and mitigation.
6.9 Cross-border cooperation: information exchange and coordinated procedures.
6.10 Practical cases: design of a compliance plan and response to inspection/incident.
7.1 Contracts in the fishing chain: supply, transport, processing, and marketing.
7.2 Concessions and authorizations: ports, aquaculture, occupation of public domain, and easements.
7.3 Critical clauses: quality, traceability, liability, insurance, force majeure, and termination.
7.4 Public procurement and subsidies: tenders, criteria, Eligibility and grant control.
7.5 Insurance and risk management: coverage, claims, appraisals, and documentation.
7.6 Dispute resolution: mediation, arbitration, jurisdiction, and enforcement.
7.7 Contractual compliance: auditing, KPIs, penalties, and incentives.
<strong data-start="7061" 7.8 ESG and sustainability: contractual obligations, reporting, and verification.
7.9 Legal due diligence in projects: permit matrix, risks, and regulatory timeline.
7.10 Financing models: project finance (conceptual), guarantees, and regulatory bankability.
8.1 Legal framework for aquaculture: licenses, biosecurity, and environmental requirements.
8.2 Health and welfare: controls, notification, management, and operator responsibility.
8.3 Coastal use and conflicts: tourism, energy, conservation, navigation, and fishing.
8.4 Marine spatial planning (MSP): zoning, participation, and evaluation. 8.5 Discharges, effluents, and water quality: limits, monitoring, and compliance.
8.6 Exotic and invasive species: permits, controls, and responsibilities.
8.7 Certifications and standards: legal requirements vs. voluntary market standards.
8.8 Circular economy in aquaculture: By-products, valuation, and obligations.
8.9 Frequent litigation: neighbors, concessions, sanctions, renewals, and expirations.
8.10 Applied case: complete implementation and operation file in accordance with regulations.
9.1 Coastal Community Rights: Access, Livelihoods, and Local Governance.
9.2 Artisanal Fishing and Equity: Quota Allocation, Licenses, and Differentiated Measures.
9.3 Transparency and Public Participation: Consultations, Allegations, and Building Legitimacy.
9.4 Socio-environmental Conflicts: Negotiation, Evidence, Expert Reports, and Agreements. 9.5 Labor rights and conditions on board: a regulatory-operational approach.
9.6 Gender and inclusion in the sector: regulatory approaches and programs.
9.7 Environmental justice and redress: criteria, precedents, and mechanisms.
9.8 Risk communication: incidents, closures, pollution, and trust Public.
9.9 Multilevel governance: inter-administrative coordination and regulatory coherence.
9.10 Public policy design: theory of change, indicators and impact evaluation.
10.1 Case selection: real regulatory problem (fisheries, MPA, IUU, aquaculture, conflict of uses).
10.2 Regulatory map: applicable sources, hierarchy, powers, and verifiable obligations.
10.3 Legal-technical diagnosis: compliance gaps, risks, stakeholders, and critical points.
10.4 Regulatory strategy: proposed measures (Regulatory, administrative, or management) justified.
10.5 Instrument design: management plan, license conditions, inspection protocol, or traceability system.
10.6 Compliance matrix: controls, evidence, responsible parties, deadlines, KPIs, and audit.
10.7 Impact assessment: legality, proportionality, economic viability, and socio-environmental effects.<br data-start="10136" 10.8 Dispute Management: Resource Roadmap, Legal Defense, Evidence, and Communication Strategy.
10.9 Final Dossier: Annexes, Document Templates, Permission Checklist, and Implementation Plan.
10.10 Defense: Legal Argumentation, Trade-off Analysis, and Continuous Improvement Roadmap.
Career prospects
“`html
- Legal Advisor in Public Administrations: Drafting of fisheries and natural resource regulations, legal defense in environmental litigation.
- Environmental Consultant in Companies: Environmental impact assessment of projects related to fishing and natural resources, design of environmental management plans.
- Technician in Fishing Organizations: Management of fisheries resources, implementation of conservation measures, participation in the development of fisheries policies.
- Researcher in Research Centers: Analysis of fisheries legislation and its impact on natural resources, development of proposals for regulatory improvement.
- Fisheries Inspector: Monitoring and enforcement of fisheries regulations, detection of infractions and penalties.
- Manager of Marine Protected Areas: Planning and management of natural resources in marine areas Protected areas: Development of conservation plans.
Environmental Educator: Dissemination of fisheries and natural resource legislation, raising awareness about the importance of conservation.
Environmental Auditor: Verification of compliance with environmental regulations in companies in the fishing sector, preparation of audit reports.
“`
Entry requirements
Academic/professional profile:
Bachelor’s degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering or a related qualification; or proven professional experience on the bridge/in operations.
Language proficiency:
Functional Maritime English (SMCP) recommended for simulations and technical materials.
Documentation:
Updated CV, copy of qualification or seaman’s book, national ID/passport, motivation letter.
Technical requirements (for online):
Device with camera/microphone, stable internet connection, monitor ≥ 24” recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admissions process and dates
Online
application
(form + documents).
Academic review and interview
Admissions decision
Admissions decision
(+ scholarship offer if applicable).
Place reservation
(deposit) and enrolment.
Induction
(access to the virtual campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and financial support
- Comprehensive Analysis: Delve into the legal framework that regulates fishing and natural resource management at the global and local levels.
- Sustainable Development: Learn to implement strategies for the conservation of marine ecosystems and responsible fishing.
- Industry Experts: Receive training from leading professionals in fisheries law, marine biology, and environmental management.
- Case Studies: Apply your knowledge to real-world situations and develop skills for informed decision-making.
- Networking: Connect with other professionals and expand your network in the field of fisheries and natural resources.
Testimonials
This master’s program provided me with the necessary tools to lead the negotiation of an international agreement on sustainable fishing. We successfully reached a consensus on measures to protect vulnerable species and combat illegal fishing, generating a real positive impact on ocean conservation.
During my Master’s degree in Maritime Law and Governance, I developed a deep understanding of the international legal framework applicable to the exploitation of marine resources. I applied this knowledge in my final project, a comparative analysis of national legislation on deep-sea mining, which was praised for its academic rigor and practical applicability, opening doors to professional opportunities in the sector.
The Master’s in Fisheries and Natural Resources Legislation provided me with the necessary tools to lead the drafting of new sustainable fishing regulations in my region. Thanks to the knowledge I gained, we achieved a balance between economic exploitation and ecosystem preservation, increasing the population of key species by 15% in the last two years and generating a 10% increase in income for local fishing communities.
This master’s degree provided me with the necessary tools to lead the drafting of new sustainable fishing regulations in my region. Thanks to the knowledge I gained, we achieved a balance between protecting marine resources and addressing the socioeconomic needs of fishing communities, resulting in a 15% increase in the biomass of key species in just two years.
Frequently asked questions
The legislation applied to fishing and the management of natural resources.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
It covers both national and international legislation related to fishing and natural resources.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
10.1 Case selection: real regulatory problem (fisheries, MPA, IUU, aquaculture, conflict of uses).
10.2 Regulatory map: applicable sources, hierarchy, powers, and verifiable obligations.
10.3 Legal-technical diagnosis: compliance gaps, risks, stakeholders, and critical points.
10.4 Regulatory strategy: proposed measures (Regulatory, administrative, or management) justified.
10.5 Instrument design: management plan, license conditions, inspection protocol, or traceability system.
10.6 Compliance matrix: controls, evidence, responsible parties, deadlines, KPIs, and audit.
10.7 Impact assessment: legality, proportionality, economic viability, and socio-environmental effects.<br data-start="10136" 10.8 Dispute Management: Resource Roadmap, Legal Defense, Evidence, and Communication Strategy.
10.9 Final Dossier: Annexes, Document Templates, Permission Checklist, and Implementation Plan.
10.10 Defense: Legal Argumentation, Trade-off Analysis, and Continuous Improvement Roadmap.
Request information
Complete the Application Form.
Attach your CV/degree certificate (if you have it to hand).
Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you would like the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
An academic advisor will contact you within 24–48 hours to guide you through the admission process, scholarships, and compatibility with your professional schedule.
Faculty
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Naval engineer specializing in the selection, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for yachts, high-speed craft, and service vessels.
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Materials engineer specializing in marine composites and corrosion protection systems for ships, yachts, and port structures.
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Naval electrical engineer with over fifteen years of experience in the design, integration, and operation of power and automation systems.
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Specialist in meteorological and operational decision-making for coastal and offshore navigation, integrating wind, wave, and current models.
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Naval engineer with a PhD in applied hydrodynamics and over a decade of experience designing high-performance hulls and marine structures.
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
MCA-certified captain with command of ocean-going vessels, specializing in advanced maneuvering, navigation management, and bridge safety.