South Australian Current Acts

FISHERIES MANAGEMENT ACT 2007 - SECT 79

79—Temporary prohibition of certain fishing activities etc

        (1)         The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette—

            (a)         declare that it is unlawful for a person to engage in a fishing activity of a specified class during a specified period;

            (b)         declare that it is unlawful for a person to have possession or control of aquatic resources of a specified species during a specified period;

            (c)         vary or revoke such a declaration.

        (2)         A declaration under subsection (1) remains in force for a period, not exceeding 12 months, specified in the declaration and may be renewed once for a further period not exceeding 12 months.

        (3)         The Minister must, on the request of the relevant Minister, make a declaration under subsection (1), or vary or revoke such a declaration, in relation to a fishing activity undertaken in respect of a specially protected area.

        (5)         If a request is made under subsection (4), notice of the direction must be published in the Gazette as soon as practicable.

        (6)         If, in the opinion of the Minister, it is necessary to take urgent action to safeguard public health or protect the aquatic resources of the State, the Minister, or a fisheries officer authorised by the Minister, may—

            (a)         direct a person or persons of a specified class to not engage in a fishing activity of a specified class during a specified period;

            (b)         vary or revoke such a direction.

        (7)         A direction or authorisation under subsection (6) must be given in written form unless the Minister or fisheries officer considers that impracticable by reason of the urgency of the situation, in which case, it may be given orally.

        (8)         If an authorisation is given orally, written notice of the authorisation must be given to the person to whom it relates as soon as practicable.

        (9)         A person must not—

            (a)         engage in a fishing activity in contravention of a declaration or direction under this section; or

            (b)         have possession or control of aquatic resources in contravention of a declaration under this section.

Maximum penalty:

            (a)         for a first offence—$5 000;

            (b)         for a second offence—$10 000;

            (c)         for a third or subsequent offence—$20 000.

Expiation fee: $315.