This Act, consisting of 146 sections divided into 14 Parts and completed by one Schedule, aims at managing the aquatic resources of the Territory in accordance with the principles of ecologically sustainable development to ensure the promotion of appropriate protection of fish and fish habitats; and at maintaining a stewardship of aquatic resources that prmotes fairness, equity and access to aquatic resources by indigenous people, commercial operators and aquaculture farmers, amateur fishers, etc. Part I of the Act contains an extensive interpretation section. Part II deals with administration. The Minister may appoint a person to be the Director of Fisheries. The Director is responsible for the general administration of this Act. Section 7 makes provision for Fisheries officers. The Director shall maintain or cause to be maintained a register or registers which shall contain particulars of licensees and permitees (sect. 9). Section 10 lists all activities for which a licence is required. The list includes fish farming and the sale of live fish and aquatic life. Section 15 concerns permits for the release of fish or polluting waters. Subject to this Act, a person shall not use a vessel for any purpose in relation to which a licence or a permit is required under this Act unless the vessel is registered (sect. 18). The purpose of Part III is to conserve, enhance, protect, utilize, and manage the fish and aquatic life resources of the Territory. The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, declare - (a) an area, place, or any waters to be a fishery management area; or (b) a fishery to be a managed fishery. The Director shall, as soon as practicable after the declaration, prepare a proposed plan for the whole or part of the management area or managed fishery (sect. 23). Every provision of an operative management plan shall have the force and effect of a regulation in force under this Act (sect. 27). Part IV deals with control and enforcement. (71 sections divided into 7 Parts and completed by 2 Schedules).
Australia · 1988-12-14