(1) The Minister may by notice published in the Gazette—
(a) designate an area as a local fisheries management area;
(b) designate any local authority, fishermen's cooperative or fishermen's association or other appropriate body representing fishermen in the area as the local fisheries management authority for that area.
(2) Where there is no appropriate body representing fishermen in the area, the Minister may promote the formation of such a body.
(3) The Chief Fisheries Officer shall, to the extent he or she deems it practicable, provide to any Local Fisheries Management Authority, such assistance as may be reasonably necessary for the performance of its functions.