Coastal lagoons and reef areas outside reserves and village no-take zones

Recreational and subsistence spearfishing is broadly permitted in Samoa's coastal waters where no village bylaw closure, designated fishery management measure, or gazetted marine reserve applies. A licence is not required for non-commercial fishing (s23(2)), and there is no national ban on free-diving spearfishing or spear guns (the Act only empowers, but has not enacted, such a ban under s92(1)(m)-(n)).

No explosives or poisons (s42). Local village bylaws may impose method, species, size and seasonal restrictions. Catch may not be sold without a licence.