South Australian Current Acts

FISHERIES MANAGEMENT ACT 2007 - SECT 71

71—Taking, injuring etc aquatic mammals and protected species prohibited

        (1)         A person must not—

            (a)         take an aquatic mammal or aquatic resource of a protected species; or

            (b)         injure, damage or otherwise harm an aquatic mammal or aquatic resource of a protected species.

Maximum penalty:

            (a)         if the offence involves an aquatic mammal—

                  (i)         in the case of a body corporate—$250 000;

                  (ii)         in the case of a natural person—$100 000 or imprisonment for 2 years;

            (b)         in any other case—

                  (i)         for a first offence—

                        (A)         in the case of a body corporate—$50 000;

                        (B)         in the case of a natural person—$10 000;

                  (ii)         for a second or subsequent offence—

                        (A)         in the case of a body corporate—$100 000;

                        (B)         in the case of a natural person—$20 000.

Expiation fee: In the case of an offence not involving an aquatic mammal—$500.

        (2)         A person must not—

            (a)         interfere with, harass or molest an aquatic mammal or aquatic resource of a protected species; or

            (b)         cause or permit interference with, harassment or molestation of, an aquatic mammal or aquatic resource of a protected species.

Maximum penalty:

            (a)         if the offence involves an aquatic mammal—

                  (i)         in the case of a body corporate—$250 000;

                  (ii)         in the case of a natural person—$100 000 or imprisonment for 2 years;

            (b)         in any other case—

                  (i)         for a first offence—

                        (A)         in the case of a body corporate—$50 000;

                        (B)         in the case of a natural person—$10 000;

                  (ii)         for a second or subsequent offence—

                        (A)         in the case of a body corporate—$100 000;

                        (B)         in the case of a natural person—$20 000.

Expiation fee: In the case of an offence not involving an aquatic mammal—$500.

        (3)         In proceedings for an offence against this section, it is a defence if the defendant proves—

            (a)         that the alleged offence was not committed intentionally and did not result from any failure on the part of the defendant to take reasonable care to avoid the commission of the offence; or

            (b)         that the act alleged to constitute the offence was authorised by or under some other Act or law.

        (4)         Subsection (3)(a) does not apply in relation to a person who is charged with an offence under section 120(1) or (1a).