The Board consisting of ten representatives from government, the fishing industry, resource owners, non-governmental organisations and the Managing Director of National Fisheries Authority. The National Executive Council appoints the chair.

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The Board is required to meet quarterly but also hold a number of special meetings as required to fulfill its functions that are established in the Act.

Under these the Board:

(a) shall be responsible for providing general control and guidance over the   exercise of the functions and powers of     the Authority; and

(b) may on the recommendation of the Managing Director make decisions on licences in accordance with this Act; and

(c) shall undertake such other functions, and exercise such powers as may be conferred on it by this Act or any other law.

Although appointed by the National Executive Council, the Managing Director reports to and receives policy and strategic direction from the Board. This relationship is critical to the effective functioning of both the Board and the organisation.