24.—(1) The Minister may by order declare that an area of the high seas (the co-ordinates of which shall be set out in the order) is a conservation area (“conservation area”) being an area of the high seas which is a conservation and management area for straddling fish stocks and highly migratory fish stocks covered by a subregional or regional fisheries management organisation or arrangement for the purposes of Part III of the Agreement.

(2) An order that is in force under subsection (1) shall be prima facie evidence that the area of the high seas mentioned in the order is a conservation area.

(3) The Minister may by order amend or revoke an order under subsection (1).

(4) Every order made under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made.