Australian Capital Territory
Fisheries Act 2000     No 38
Republication No 5
Republication date: 23 September 2002
Last amendment made by Act 2002 No 30
Amendments incorporated to 17 September 2002

Unauthorised version prepared by ACT Parliamentary Counsel's Office
About this republication
The republished law
This is a republication of the Fisheries Act 2000 (including any amendment made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 (Editorial changes)) as in force on 23 September 2002.  It also includes any amendment, repeal or expiry affecting the republished law to 17 September 2002.  
The legislation history and amendment history of the republished law are set out in endnotes 3 and 4. 
Kinds of republications
The Parliamentary Counsel’s Office prepares 2 kinds of republications of ACT laws (see the ACT legislation register at www.legislation.act.gov.au):
•	authorised republications to which the Legislation Act 2001 applies
•	unauthorised republications.
The status of this republication appears on the bottom of each page.
Editorial changes
The Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 authorises the Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial amendments and other changes of a formal nature when preparing a law for republication.  Editorial changes do not change the effect of the law, but have effect as if they had been made by an Act commencing on the republication date (see Legislation Act 2001, s 115 and s 117).  The changes are made if the Parliamentary Counsel considers they are desirable to bring the law into line, or more closely into line, with current legislative drafting practice.  
When preparing the authorised version of this republication amendments were not made under part 11.3 (see endnote 1).
Uncommenced provisions and amendments
If a provision of the republished law has not commenced or is affected by an uncommenced amendment, the symbol  U  appears immediately before the provision heading.  The text of the uncommenced provision or amendment appears only in the last endnote.
Modifications
If a provision of the republished law is affected by a current modification, the symbol  M  appears immediately before the provision heading.  The text of the modifying provision appears in the endnotes.  For the legal status of modifications, see Legislation Act 2001, section 95.
Penalties
The value of a penalty unit for an offence against this republished law at the republication date is—
	(a)	if the person charged is an individual—$100; or
	(b)	if the person charged is a corporation—$500.

Amendments incorporated to
17 September 2002

Australian Capital Territory
Fisheries Act 2000

Contents
	Page
Part 1	Preliminary
	1	Name of Act	2
	3	Objects	2
	4	Dictionary	2
Part 2	Fisheries management plan
	5	Content of fisheries management plan	3
	6	Preparation of fisheries management plan	3
	7	Consultation on draft plan	3
	8	Consideration of suggestions etc and revision of draft plan	4
	8A	Formal changes to draft plan	4
	9	Submission of draft plan to Minister	4
	10	Minister’s powers about draft plan	5
	11	Referral back of draft plan to conservator	5
	12	Fisheries management plan disallowable instrument etc	6
Part 3	Fishing closures and declarations
	13	Fishing closures	7
	14	Declaration of noxious fish	7
	15	Declaration of fish of prohibited size or weight	7
	16	Declaration of fish quantity	7
	17	Declaration of fishing gear	8
Part 4	Licences
Division 4.1	Kinds of licences
	19	Kinds of licences	9
	20	Commercial fishing licences	9
	21	Scientific licences	9
	22	Import and export licences	9
Division 4.2	Issue of licences
	23	Applications for licences	10
	24	Additional information may be required	10
	25	Decision on application	10
	26	Issue of commercial fishing licences—relevant considerations	10
	27	Issue of scientific licences—relevant considerations	11
	28	Import and export licences—relevant considerations	11
	29	Terms of licences	12
	30	Licence conditions and exemptions	13
	31	Licence changes	13
	32	Rights given by licences	14
	33	Surrender of licences	14
	34	Cancellation of licences	14
	35	Register of licences	15
	36	Inspection of register	16
Part 5	Commercial dealing
Division 5.1	Fish dealers
	37	Fish dealers to be registered	17
	38	Application for registration	17
	39	Decision on application	17
	40	Term of registration	18
	41	Suspension of registration	18
	42	Cancellation of registration	18
	43	Register of dealers	18
	44	Inspection of register	19
Division 5.2	Commercial fishers
	45	Sale of fish by commercial fishers	19
Part 6	Records and information
Division 6.1	Keeping records and giving information
	46	Commercial fishers and fish dealers to make records	20
	47	Keeping of records	20
	48	Production of records	21
	49	Commercial fishers and fish dealers to supply information	21
	50	False records etc	21
Division 6.2	Powers in relation to records
	51	Possession of records	22
	52	Copying and keeping records etc	22
Part 7	Conservation officer’s powers
Division 7.1	Powers for places
	53	Meaning of occupier for div 7.1	23
	54	Entry to places	23
	55	Consent to entry	23
	56	Routine inspection of business premises	24
	57	Warrants to enter	25
	58	Warrants—application made other than in person	25
	59	Powers on entry with consent	27
	60	Powers on entry for routine inspection of business premises	27
	61	Powers on entry under a warrant	27
	62	Identity cards must be produced	28
	63	Entry into waters, and along banks etc	28
Division 7.2	Other powers
	64	Requirement to give name etc	28
	65	Power to require gear to be removed from water	29
	66	Seizure of fish etc	30
	67	Seizure and destruction of noxious fish	30
Division 7.3	Other enforcement matters
	68	Procedure after thing seized	30
	69	Compensation	31
	70	Obstruction of investigation	32
	71	False or misleading information	32
	72	False or misleading or incomplete documents	33
Part 8	Offences
Division 8.1	Offences, licences and approvals
	74	Taking fish for sale without a licence	34
	75	Taking fish contrary to scientific licence	34
	76	Importing or exporting live fish without a licence	34
	77	Possessing etc fish obtained illegally	35
	78	Noxious fish	35
	79	Release of fish	35
Division 8.2	General offences
	80	Fishing closure	36
	81	Prohibited size or weight of fish	36
	82	Quantity of fish	36
	83	Unintentionally taking fish	37
	84	Beheading or filleting fish	37
	85	Use of live bait	37
Division 8.3	Offences in relation to fishing gear
	86	Set lines	37
	87	Fishing gear	38
	88	Possession of commercial fishing gear	38
Division 8.4	Protection of aquatic habitats
	89	Spawning areas	39
Part 9	Infringement notices for certain offences
Division 9.1	Interpretation
	90	Definitions for pt 9	40
Division 9.2	Infringement and reminder notices
	91	Purpose and effect of div 9.2	41
	92	Service of infringement notices	41
	93	Contents of infringement notices	42
	94	Additional information in infringement notices	42
	95	Time for payment of infringement notice penalty	44
	96	Extension of time to pay penalty	44
	97	Effect of payment of infringement notice penalty	44
	98	Application for withdrawal of infringement notice	45
	99	Withdrawal of infringement notice	45
	100	Reminder notices	46
	101	Contents of reminder notices	47
	102	Additional information in reminder notices	47
Division 9.3	Disputing liability
	103	Disputing liability for an infringement notice offence	49
	104	Extension of time to dispute liability	50
	105	Procedure if liability disputed	50
Division 9.4	Miscellaneous
	106	Evidentiary certificates	51
Part 10	Review of decisions
	107	Review of decisions	53
	108	Notification of decisions	53
Part 11	Miscellaneous
	109	Delegation	54
	110	Acts and omissions of representatives	54
	111	Criminal liability of officers of corporation	55
	112	Production of licences	56
	113	Guidelines	56
	114	Determination of fees	56
	115	Approved forms	57
	116	Regulation-making power	57
	117	Regulations prescribing infringement notice penalties	57
Dictionary		59
Endnotes
	1	About the endnotes	63
	2	Abbreviation key	63
	3	Legislation history	64
	4	Amendment history	64
	5	Earlier republications	66

Amendments incorporated to
17 September 2002

Australian Capital Territory
Fisheries Act 2000

An Act about the management of fisheries

    

Part 1	Preliminary
    
1	Name of Act
This Act is the Fisheries Act 2000.
3	Objects
The objects of this Act are—
	(a)	to conserve native fish species and their habitats; and
	(b)	to manage sustainably the fisheries of the ACT by applying the principles of ecologically sustainable development mentioned in the Environment Protection Act 1997, section 3 (2); and
	(c)	to provide high quality and viable recreational fishing; and
	(d)	to cooperate with other Australian jurisdictions in sustaining fisheries and protecting native fish species.
4	Dictionary
The dictionary at the end of this Act is part of this Act.
Note 1	The dictionary defines certain words and expressions, and includes references (signpost definitions) to other words and expressions defined elsewhere in this Act or another Act.
	For example, the signpost definition ‘fishing closure—see section 13’ means the expression ‘fishing closure’ is defined in section 13.
Note 2	A definition in the dictionary (including a signpost definition) applies to the entire Act unless the definition, or another provision of the Act, provides otherwise or the contrary intention otherwise appears (see Legislation Act 2001, s 155 and s 156 (1)).

Part 2	Fisheries management plan
    
5	Content of fisheries management plan
A fisheries management plan must include—
	(a)	a description of fish species and their habitats in the ACT; and
	(b)	a description of current and potential threats to fish species and their habitats; and
	(c)	measures to be taken to achieve the objects of this Act, including performance indicators and monitoring methods; and
	(d)	guidelines to which the conservator must have regard in exercising functions under this Act.
6	Preparation of fisheries management plan
The conservator must prepare a draft management plan for management of fish species and their habitats in the ACT.
Note	A power given under an Act to make a statutory instrument (including a management plan) includes power to amend or repeal the instrument (see Legislation Act 2001, s 46 (1)).
7	Consultation on draft plan
	(1)	If the conservator prepares a draft fisheries management plan, the conservator must prepare a written notice—
	(a)	containing a brief description of the draft plan; and
	(b)	stating where copies of the draft plan may be obtained; and
	(c)	inviting written suggestions or comments about the draft plan to be given to the conservator, at the place stated in the notice, within 60 working days after the day the notice is notified under the Legislation Act 2001 (the consultation period).
	(2)	The notice is a notifiable instrument.
Note 1	A notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation Act 2001.
Note 2	An amendment or repeal of a management plan is also a notifiable instrument (see Legislation Act 2001, s 46 (2)).
	(3)	The conservator must also publish the notice in a newspaper.
8	Consideration of suggestions etc and revision of draft plan
	(1)	The conservator must consider the suggestions and comments given to the conservator during the consultation period about the draft plan.
	(2)	The conservator may, in writing, revise the draft plan in accordance with any of the suggestions or comments.
8A	Formal changes to draft plan
	(1)	Sections 7 (Consultation on draft plan) and 8 (Consideration of suggestions etc and revision of draft plan) do not apply to an amendment of a management plan that only makes changes of a formal nature.
	(2)	If the conservator makes an amendment of a management plan that only makes changes of a formal nature, the conservator must prepare a written notice containing a brief description of the changes.
	(3)	The notice is a notifiable instrument.
Note	A notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation Act 2001.
	(4)	The conservator must also publish the notice in a newspaper.
9	Submission of draft plan to Minister 
The conservator must give a draft management plan (as revised under section 8 (2)) to the Minister for approval, together with—
	(a)	a written report setting out the issues raised in any written comments given to the conservator about the draft; and
	(b)	a written report about the conservator’s consultation with the public and with any particular entity about the draft.
10	Minister’s powers about draft plan
On receiving a draft fisheries management plan, the Minister may—
	(a)	make a fisheries management plan in the form of the draft plan; or
	(b)	refer the draft plan to the conservator together with any of the following written directions:
	(i)	to conduct further stated consultations;
	(ii)	to consider any stated revision suggested by the Minister;
	(iii)	to revise the draft plan in a stated way.
11	Referral back of draft plan to conservator
	(1)	If the Minister refers the draft fisheries management plan to the conservator, the conservator—
	(a)	must comply with the Minister’s directions; and
	(b)	if the Minister directs the conservator to conduct further consultations or consider suggested revisions—may revise the draft plan in the way the conservator considers appropriate; and
	(c)	may revise the plan to make changes of a formal nature; and
	(d)	must give the draft plan (as revised) to the Minister together with a written report about the conservator’s compliance with the Minister’s directions and any revision of the draft plan under paragraph (b) or (c).
	(2)	The Minister must deal with the draft fisheries management plan (as revised) under section 10 (Minister’s powers about draft plan).
12	Fisheries management plan disallowable instrument etc
	(1)	A fisheries management plan is a disallowable instrument.
Note	A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act 2001.
	(2)	Unless a fisheries management plan is disallowed by the Legislative Assembly, the plan commences—
	(a)	on the day after the last day when it could have been disallowed; or
	(b)	if the determination provides for a later date or time of commencement—on that date or at that time.

Part 3	Fishing closures and declarations
    
13	Fishing closures
	(1)	The Minister may, in writing, prohibit absolutely or conditionally, the taking of fish from public waters for a stated period.
	(2)	A prohibition under subsection (1) is a fishing closure.
	(3)	A prohibition under subsection (1) is a disallowable instrument.
Note	A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act 2001.
14	Declaration of noxious fish
	(1)	The Minister may, in writing, declare a species of fish to be noxious.
	(2)	A declaration is a disallowable instrument.
Note	A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act 2001.
15	Declaration of fish of prohibited size or weight
	(1)	The Minister may, in writing, declare that fish of stated sizes or weights are fish of prohibited sizes or weights.
	(2)	A declaration is a disallowable instrument.
Note	A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act 2001.
16	Declaration of fish quantity
	(1)	The Minister may, in writing, declare the quantity of a species of fish that a person may take in a day.
	(2)	A declaration is a disallowable instrument.
Note	A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act 2001.
17	Declaration of fishing gear
	(1)	The Minister may, in writing, declare fishing gear that may be used for taking fish.
	(2)	A declaration is a disallowable instrument.
Note	A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act 2001.

Part 4	Licences
Division 4.1	Kinds of licences
19	Kinds of licences
The conservator may issue the following kinds of licences:
	(a)	commercial fishing licences;
	(b)	scientific licences;
	(c)	import and export licences.
20	Commercial fishing licences
A commercial fishing licence authorises the licensee to take fish for sale.
21	Scientific licences
A scientific licence authorises the licensee to take fish for purposes stated in the licence that are—
	(a)	scientific purposes; or
	(b)	teaching purposes; or
	(c)	museum or aquarium purposes.
22	Import and export licences
An import and export licence authorises the licensee to import live fish into and export live fish from the ACT.
Division 4.2	Issue of licences
23	Applications for licences
An application for a licence must be given to the conservator.
Note 1	A fee may be determined under s 114 (Determination of fees) for this section.
Note 2	If a form is approved under s 115 (Approved forms) for an application, the form must be used.
24	Additional information may be required
	(1)	The conservator may, by written notice given to the applicant, require the applicant to give the conservator additional stated information or documents that the conservator reasonably needs to decide the application.
	(2)	The conservator is not required to decide an application until the applicant complies with the requirement.
25	Decision on application
The conservator must, on application being made under section 23—
	(a)	issue a licence; or
	(b)	refuse to issue a licence.
26	Issue of commercial fishing licences—relevant considerations
	(1)	In deciding whether to issue a commercial fishing licence, the conservator must consider—
	(a)	whether the applicant has been convicted, or found guilty, of an offence against this Act, the Nature Conservation Act 1980, part 4, or a law of a State corresponding to this Act or that part; and
	(b)	the methods and fishing gear the applicant proposes to use to take fish; and
	(c)	the catch limit proposed by the applicant; and
	(d)	the waters where the applicant proposes to take fish; and
	(e)	the periods when the licence is proposed to be in force; and
	(f)	the potential effect on the relevant fisheries and the environment of issuing the licence.
	(2)	Subsection (1) does not limit the matters the conservator may consider in deciding whether to issue a commercial fishing licence.
27	Issue of scientific licences—relevant considerations
	(1)	In deciding whether to issue a scientific licence, the conservator must consider—
	(a)	if the application is for a licence for research purposes—whether the Animal Welfare Act 1992, part 4 would apply to the activity proposed to be undertaken under the licence and, if so, whether the activity has been authorised under that part; and
	(b)	if the application is for a licence for collection purposes—the methods and fishing gear proposed to be used by the applicant for taking fish and the species and number of fish proposed to be taken; and
	(c)	the potential effect on the relevant fisheries and the environment of issuing the licence.
	(2)	Subsection (1) does not limit the matters the conservator may consider in deciding whether to issue a scientific licence.
28	Import and export licences—relevant considerations
	(1)	In deciding whether to issue an import and export licence, the conservator must consider—
	(a)	whether the applicant has been convicted, or found guilty, of an offence against this Act, the Nature Conservation Act 1980, part 4, or a law of a State corresponding to this Act or that part; and
	(b)	if the licence is to authorise the applicant to import fish—
	(i)	the qualifications and experience of the applicant in relation to handling and keeping fish; and
	(ii)	the suitability of the place where the applicant intends to keep fish; and
	(iii)	the suitability of the applicant’s facilities for keeping fish; and
	(iv)	the likelihood that the fish could be a threat to fish in waters of the ACT or be otherwise harmful; and
	(c)	if the licence is to authorise the applicant to export fish—the extent to which export of the fish under the licence may affect the viability of any fish species in the ACT; and
	(d)	whether fish that may be imported or exported under the licence are subject to a declaration under the Nature Conservation Act 1980, section 16, 17 or 21; and
	(e)	how fish to be imported or exported under the licence would be transported.
	(2)	Subsection (1) does not limit the matters the conservator may consider in deciding whether to issue an import and export licence.
29	Terms of licences
	(1)	A commercial fishing licence and an import and export licence are issued for a term of 1 year.
	(2)	A scientific licence is issued for the term of not longer than 3 years stated in the licence.
30	Licence conditions and exemptions
	(1)	A licence is subject to any conditions stated in the licence.
	(2)	Without limiting subsection (1), a licence may be issued subject to conditions about—
	(a)	the number of fish that may be taken; or
	(b)	the waters where the fish may be taken; or
	(c)	the times or periods when the licence is to have effect; or
	(d)	the ways in which fish may be taken under the licence; or
	(e)	the species of fish that may be taken.
	(3)	A scientific licence may, either absolutely or conditionally, exempt the licensee from the application of a declaration under part 3.
Note	A reference to a statutory instrument (including a declaration) includes a reference to a provision of a statutory instrument (see Legislation Act 2001, s 13 (3)).
31	Licence changes
	(1)	On application by the holder of a licence, the conservator may change the licence.
	(2)	If the conservator changes a licence under subsection (1), the conservator must give written notice of the change to the licensee.
	(3)	The conservator may change a licence on his or her own initiative if the conservator is satisfied that it is in the public interest to do so.
	(4)	Before changing a licence on his or her own initiative, the conservator must give the licensee a written notice—
	(a)	stating how the conservator proposes to change the licence; and
	(b)	stating the reasons why the conservator proposes to change the licence; and
	(c)	telling the licensee that the licensee may, within 14 days beginning on the day after receiving the notice, give a written response to the conservator about the matters stated in the notice.
	(5)	In deciding whether to change the licence as proposed, the conservator must consider any response given to him or her in accordance with subsection (4) (c).
	(6)	The conservator must give the licensee written notice of his or her decision.
	(7)	A change of licence takes effect on the day when the notice is served on the licence holder or, if the notice states a later date of effect, that date.
32	Rights given by licences
A licence does not authorise the licensee to enter on—
	(a)	land held under a lease; or
	(b)	land occupied by a person under a licence from the Territory or the Commonwealth.
33	Surrender of licences
	(1)	A licensee may surrender his or her licence by written notice to the conservator.
	(2)	The surrender of a licence takes effect from the day the notice of surrender is given to the conservator or, if the notice states a later date of effect, that date.
34	Cancellation of licences
	(1)	The conservator may cancel a licence if—
	(a)	the conservator becomes aware of circumstances that, if the conservator had been aware of them at the time of the application for the licence, would have resulted in the application being refused; or
	(b)	the licensee is convicted, or found guilty, of an offence against this Act, the Nature Conservation Act 1980, part 4, or a law of a State corresponding to this Act or that part; or
	(c)	the licensee contravenes a condition of the licence; or
	(d)	the licence was obtained by fraud or misrepresentation.
	(2)	Before cancelling a licence, the conservator must give the licensee a written notice—
	(a)	stating the grounds on which the conservator proposes to cancel the licence; and
	(b)	stating the facts that, in the conservator’s opinion, establish the grounds; and
	(c)	telling the licensee that the licensee may, within 14 days beginning the day after receiving the notice, give a written response to the conservator about the matters in the notice.
	(3)	In deciding whether to cancel the licence, the conservator must consider any response given to him or her in accordance with subsection (2) (c).
	(4)	The conservator must give the licensee written notice of the conservator’s decision.
	(5)	Cancellation of a licence takes effect on the day when notice of the cancellation is served on the licence holder or, if the notice states a later date of effect, that date.
35	Register of licences
	(1)	The conservator must prepare and keep a register of licences.
	(2)	The conservator must include in the register the name of each person to whom a licence is issued, the kind of licence issued to the person, any conditions to which the licence is subject and any exemption from the application of a declaration under part 3 given to the licensee.
36	Inspection of register
	(1)	A person may, without charge, inspect the register during the office hours of the office of the conservator.
	(2)	A person may, on payment of the reasonable copying costs, obtain a copy of all or part of the register.

Part 5	Commercial dealing
Division 5.1	Fish dealers
37	Fish dealers to be registered
	(1)	A person must not receive more than the number of fish prescribed under the regulations within the prescribed period unless—
	(a)	the person is registered as a fish dealer under this Act; or
	(b)	the fish are received for retail sale; or
	(c)	the person receives the fish from a person who is registered or licensed as a fish dealer under this Act or a corresponding law; or
	(d)	the person receives fish for purposes other than sale.
Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units.
	(2)	In subsection (1):
fish does not include oysters.
38	Application for registration
An application for registration as a fish dealer must be given to the conservator.
Note 1	A fee may be determined under s 114 (Determination of fees) for this section.
Note 2	If a form is approved under s 115 (Approved forms) for an application, the form must be used.
39	Decision on application
	(1)	The conservator must, on application being made under section 38—
	(a)	register the applicant as a fish dealer; or
	(b)	refuse to register the applicant.
	(2)	In deciding whether to register an applicant, the conservator must consider whether the applicant has been convicted, or found guilty, of an offence against this Act or a law of a State corresponding to this Act.
	(3)	Subsection (2) does not limit the matters the conservator may consider in deciding whether to register an applicant.
40	Term of registration
The registration of a person as a fish dealer is for the term of not longer than 7 years stated in the register in relation to the person.
41	Suspension of registration
If a registered fish dealer fails to give information in accordance with a notice under section 49 (2), the conservator may, by notice in writing given to the dealer, suspend the dealer’s registration.
42	Cancellation of registration
The conservator may cancel a fish dealer’s registration if—
	(a)	the dealer is convicted, or found guilty, of an offence against this Act, or a law of a State corresponding to this Act; or
	(b)	the dealer’s registration has been suspended for failure to give information in accordance with a notice under section 49 (2) and the dealer has failed to give that information within 14 days after the day of suspension.
43	Register of dealers
	(1)	The conservator must prepare and keep a register of fish dealers.
	(2)	A person is registered as a fish dealer if the conservator enters in the register—
	(a)	the person’s name; and
	(b)	if the person carries on business in the ACT as a fish dealer under a name other than his or her own name—the name under which he or she so carries on business; and
	(c)	each place in the ACT where the person carries on business as a fish dealer.
44	Inspection of register
	(1)	A person may, without charge, inspect the register during the office hours of the office of the conservator.
	(2)	A person may, on payment of the reasonable copying costs, obtain a copy of all or part of the register.
Division 5.2	Commercial fishers
45	Sale of fish by commercial fishers
	(1)	A person who holds a commercial fishing licence under this Act or a corresponding law must not, without reasonable excuse, sell more than the prescribed quantity of fish in a day to a person unless the person is registered or licensed as a fish dealer under this Act or a corresponding law.
Maximum penalty:  100 penalty units.
	(2)	In subsection (1):
fish does not include oysters.

Part 6	Records and information
Division 6.1	Keeping records and giving information
46	Commercial fishers and fish dealers to make records
	(1)	The holder of a commercial fishing licence must make a record, in accordance with the directions under subsection (3), of all fish taken or sold by him or her.
Maximum penalty:  10 penalty units.
	(2)	A fish dealer must make a record, in accordance with the directions under subsection (3), of all fish received, processed or sold by him or her.
Maximum penalty:  10 penalty units.
	(3)	The conservator may, in writing, give directions about how records under subsection (1) or (2) must be made.
	(4)	An instrument under subsection (3) is a notifiable instrument.
Note	A notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation Act 2001.
47	Keeping of records
	(1)	The holder of a commercial fishing licence must keep a record made under section 46 (1) for at least 5 years after it is made.
Maximum penalty:  10 penalty units.
	(2)	A fish dealer must keep a record made under section 46 (2) for at least 5 years after it is made.
Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units.
48	Production of records
The holder of a commercial fishing licence or a fish dealer must, on being asked to do so by a conservation officer, produce a record that he or she is required to keep under section 47.
Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units.
49	Commercial fishers and fish dealers to supply information
	(1)	The conservator may, by written notice to the holder of a commercial fishing licence, require the licence holder to give the conservator, within a reasonable time stated in the notice, the information about the fish taken or sold by him or her stated in the notice.
	(2)	The conservator may, by written notice to a fish dealer, require the dealer to give the conservator, within a reasonable time stated in the notice, the information about the fish received, processed or sold by him or her stated in the notice.
	(3)	A person who is given a notice under subsection (1) or (2) must not, without reasonable excuse, fail to give the conservator the information stated in the notice within the time stated in the notice.
Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or both.
50	False records etc
	(1)	A person must not make a record for this division, or produce a record to a conservation officer, that the person knows is false or misleading in a material particular.
Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or both.
	(2)	A person must not give the conservator a document containing information that the person knows is false or misleading in a material particular.
Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or both.
Division 6.2	Powers in relation to records
51	Possession of records
	(1)	If records are produced to a conservation officer by a person under section 48, the officer may take possession of the records.
	(2)	If the conservation officer takes possession of the records, the officer must—
	(a)	offer the person a receipt for the records; and
	(b)	allow a person who would be entitled to inspect the records if they were not in the possession of the officer, at any reasonable time, to inspect them.
52	Copying and keeping records etc
	(1)	If a conservation officer takes possession of records under section 51, the officer may—
	(a)	make copies of, or take extracts from, the records; and
	(b)	if the officer has reason to believe the records are evidence of an offence against this Act—keep the records until proceedings for the offence have been dealt with.
Note	A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments made or in force under the Act, including regulations (see Legislation Act 2001, s 104).
	(2)	A conservation officer who takes possession of records under section 51 must, unless subsection (1) (b) applies, return the records to the person from whom they were taken within a reasonable time.

Part 7	Conservation officer’s powers
Note for pt 7
The Legislation Act 2001, s 170 and s 171 deal with the application of the privilege against selfincrimination and client legal privilege.
Division 7.1	Powers for places
53	Meaning of occupier for div 7.1
In this division:
occupier, of a place, includes—
	(a)	a person believed on reasonable grounds to be an occupier of the place; and
	(b)	a person apparently in charge of the place.
54	Entry to places
	(1)	A conservation officer may enter a place if—
	(a)	its occupier consents to the entry; or
	(b)	the entry is for a routine inspection under section 56; or
	(c)	the entry is authorised by a warrant.
	(2)	An authorised officer may, without the occupier’s consent or a warrant, enter the land around premises to ask its occupier for consent to enter the premises.
55	Consent to entry
	(1)	This section applies if a conservation officer intends to ask an occupier of a place to consent to the officer or another conservation officer entering the place.
	(2)	Before asking for the consent, the officer must tell the occupier—
	(a)	of the purpose of the entry; and
	(b)	that the occupier is not required to consent.
	(3)	If the consent is given, the officer may ask the occupier to sign an acknowledgment of the consent.
	(4)	The acknowledgment must state that—
	(a)	the occupier was told—
	(i)	of the purpose of the entry; and
	(ii)	that the occupier is not required to consent; and
	(b)	the occupier gives a conservation officer consent to enter the place and exercise powers under this Act; and
	(c)	the time and date the consent was given.
	(5)	If the occupier signs an acknowledgment of consent, the officer must immediately give a copy to the occupier.
	(6)	Subsection (7) applies to a court if—
	(a)	a question arises, in a proceeding in the court, whether the occupier of a place consented to a conservation officer entering the place under this Act; and
	(b)	an acknowledgment under this section is not produced in evidence for the entry; and
	(c)	it is not proved that the occupier consented to the entry.
	(7)	The court may presume that the occupier did not consent.
56	Routine inspection of business premises
	(1)	To find out whether this Act is being complied with, a conservation officer may enter business premises of a fish dealer or the holder of a commercial fishing licence at any time the premises are being used.
	(2)	In this section:
business premises includes residential premises used for business purposes.
57	Warrants to enter
	(1)	A conservation officer may apply to a magistrate for a warrant to enter a place.
	(2)	The application must be sworn and state the grounds on which the warrant is sought.
	(3)	The magistrate may refuse to consider the application until the officer gives the magistrate all the information the magistrate requires about the application in the way the magistrate requires.
	(4)	The magistrate may issue a warrant only if satisfied there are reasonable grounds for suspecting—
	(a)	there is a particular thing or activity (the evidence) that may provide evidence of an offence against this Act; and
	(b)	the evidence is, or may be within the next 14 days, at the place.
	(5)	The warrant must state—
	(a)	that a conservation officer may, with necessary help and force, enter the place and exercise the officer’s powers under this Act; and
	(b)	the offence for which the warrant is sought; and
	(c)	the evidence that may be seized under the warrant; and
	(d)	the hours when the place may be entered; and
	(e)	the date, within 14 days after the warrant’s issue, the warrant ends.
58	Warrants—application made other than in person
	(1)	A conservation officer may apply for a warrant by phone, fax, radio or other form of communication if the officer considers it necessary because of—
	(a)	urgent circumstances; or
	(b)	other special circumstances.
	(2)	Before applying for the warrant, the officer must prepare an application stating the grounds on which the warrant is sought.
	(3)	The officer may apply for the warrant before the application is sworn.
	(4)	After issuing the warrant, the magistrate must immediately fax a copy to the officer if it is reasonably practicable to do so.
	(5)	If it is not reasonably practicable to fax a copy to the officer—
	(a)	the magistrate must—
	(i)	tell the officer what the terms of the warrant are; and
	(ii)	tell the officer the date and time the warrant was issued; and
	(b)	the officer must complete a form of warrant (warrant form) and write on it—
	(i)	the magistrate’s name; and
	(ii)	the date and time the magistrate issued the warrant; and
	(iii)	the warrant’s terms.
	(6)	The facsimile warrant, or the warrant form properly completed by the officer, has the same effect as a warrant issued under section 57.
	(7)	The officer must, at the first reasonable opportunity, send the magistrate—
	(a)	the sworn application; and
	(b)	if the officer completed a warrant form—the completed warrant form.
	(8)	On receiving the documents, the magistrate must attach them to the warrant.
	(9)	Subsection (10) applies to a court if—
	(a)	a question arises, in a proceeding in or before the court, whether a power exercised by a conservation officer was not authorised by a warrant issued under this section; and
	(b)	the warrant is not produced in evidence.
	(10)	The court must presume that the exercise of a power was not authorised by a warrant issued under this section, unless the contrary is proved.
59	Powers on entry with consent
A conservation officer who enters a place with the occupier’s consent may inspect, measure, photograph or film the place or anything in it.
60	Powers on entry for routine inspection of business premises
A conservation officer who enters a place under section 56 (Routine inspection of business premises) may—
	(a)	inspect, measure, photograph or film the place or anything in it; or
	(b)	test or take samples of anything in the place; or
	(c)	take the persons, equipment and materials the officer reasonably needs for exercising a power under this Act into the place.
61	Powers on entry under a warrant
	(1)	A conservation officer who enters a place under section 57 (Warrants to enter) or section 58 (Warrants—application made other than in person) may—
	(a)	search any part of the place; or
	(b)	inspect, measure, photograph or film the place or anything in it; or
	(c)	test or take samples of anything in the place; or
	(d)	copy a document in the place; or
	(e)	take the persons, equipment and materials the officer reasonably needs for exercising a power under this Act into the place; or
	(f)	require a person in the place to give the officer reasonable help to exercise the powers mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (e).
	(2)	A person must not, without reasonable excuse, fail to comply with a requirement under subsection (1) (f).
Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units.
62	Identity cards must be produced
A conservation officer who enters a place under section 55 (Consent to entry), section 56 (Routine inspection of business premises) or section 57 (Warrants to enter) is not authorised to remain in the place if, when asked by the occupier, the officer does not produce his or her identity card.
63	Entry into waters, and along banks etc
A conservation officer may for this Act, at any time, pass along (with a boat or otherwise) any public waters or the banks or borders of any public waters or on land beside any public waters within a reasonable distance of the waters.
Division 7.2	Other powers
64	Requirement to give name etc
	(1)	If a conservation officer believes on reasonable grounds that a person has, or may have, committed an offence against this Act, the officer—
	(a)	may request the person to give his or her name or address (or both) to the officer; and
	(b)	if making a request of that kind—must tell the person of the reason for the request.
	(2)	If a conservation officer—
	(a)	makes a request of a person under subsection (1); and
	(b)	tells the person of the reason for the request; and
	(c)	complies with subsection (3) if the person makes a request under that subsection;
the person must not, without reasonable excuse—
	(d)	fail to comply with the request; or
	(e)	give a name or address that is false in a material particular.
Maximum penalty:  5 penalty units.
	(3)	If a conservation officer who makes a request of a person under subsection (1) is asked by the person to do so, the officer must produce his or her identity card.
	(4)	As soon as possible after making a request under subsection (1), the conservation officer must make a written record of the grounds for his or her belief.
65	Power to require gear to be removed from water
	(1)	A conservation officer may require a person to remove any fishing gear being used by the person from waters if the officer believes on reasonable grounds that the gear is being used in contravention of this Act.
	(2)	A person must not, without reasonable excuse, fail to comply with a requirement made by a conservation officer under this section.
Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units.
	(3)	If a conservation officer who requires a person to remove fishing gear from water under subsection (1) is asked by the person to produce his or her identity card, the conservation officer must do so.
66	Seizure of fish etc
In addition to the other powers given to a conservation officer by this part or a warrant, a conservation officer may seize anything if the officer believes on reasonable grounds—
	(a)	the thing is evidence of the commission of an offence against this Act; and
	(b)	the seizure is necessary to prevent—
	(i)	the concealment, loss, death or destruction of the thing; or
	(ii)	the use of the thing in committing, continuing or repeating the offence.
67	Seizure and destruction of noxious fish
A conservation officer may seize and destroy any noxious fish in a person’s possession.
Division 7.3	Other enforcement matters
68	Procedure after thing seized
	(1)	As soon as practicable after a thing is seized by a conservation officer under this part, the officer must give a receipt for it to the person from whom it was seized.
	(2)	If, for any reason, it is not practicable to comply with subsection (1), the conservation officer must—
	(a)	leave the receipt at the place where the thing was seized; and
	(b)	ensure the receipt is left—
	(i)	in a reasonably secure way; and
	(ii)	in a conspicuous position.
	(3)	The conservation officer must allow a person who would be entitled to the seized thing if it were not in the officer’s possession—
	(a)	to inspect it; and
	(b)	if it is a document—to take extracts from it or make copies of it.
	(4)	The conservation officer must return the seized thing to the person at the end of—
	(a)	6 months; or
	(b)	if a prosecution for an offence involving it is started within 6 months—the prosecution for the offence and any appeal from the prosecution.
	(5)	Despite subsection (4), the conservation officer must return the seized thing to the person immediately the officer stops being satisfied its retention as evidence is necessary.
	(6)	However, the conservation officer may retain the seized thing if the officer believes, on reasonable grounds, that its continued retention is necessary to prevent its use in committing an offence against this Act.
	(7)	This section does not apply to noxious fish seized under section 67 (Seizure and destruction of noxious fish).
69	Compensation
	(1)	A person may claim reasonable compensation from the Territory if the person incurs loss or expense because of the exercise or purported exercise of a power under this part by a conservation officer or a person assisting a conservation officer.
	(2)	Compensation may be claimed and ordered in a proceeding for—
	(a)	compensation brought in a court of competent jurisdiction; or
	(b)	an offence against this Act brought against the person making the claim for compensation.
	(3)	A court may order the payment of reasonable compensation for the loss or expense only if it is satisfied it is just to make the order in the circumstances of the particular case.
	(4)	The regulations may prescribe matters that may, must or must not be taken into account by the court in considering whether it is just to make the order.
	(5)	This section does not apply to noxious fish seized under section 67 (Seizure and destruction of noxious fish).
70	Obstruction of investigation
A person must not, without reasonable excuse, obstruct or hinder a conservation officer in the exercise of a power under this Act.
Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or both.
71	False or misleading information
A person must not, in purported compliance with a requirement under this Act—
	(a)	state anything to the conservator or a conservation officer that the person knows is false or misleading in a material particular; or
	(b)	omit from a statement made to the conservator or a conservation officer anything without which the statement is, to the person’s knowledge, misleading in a material particular.
Maximum penalty:  20 penalty units.
72	False or misleading or incomplete documents
	(1)	A person must not give the conservator or a conservation officer a document containing information that the person knows is false or misleading in a material particular.
Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or both.
	(2)	Subsection (1) does not apply to a person if the person, when giving the document to the conservator or conservation officer—
	(a)	tells the conservator or conservation officer, to the best of the person’s ability, how it is false or misleading; and
	(b)	if the person has, or can reasonably obtain, the correct information—gives the correct information to the conservator or conservation officer.

Part 8	Offences
Division 8.1	Offences, licences and approvals
74	Taking fish for sale without a licence
	(1)	A person must not take fish from public waters for sale or processing for sale unless authorised to do so by a commercial fishing licence.
Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or both.
	(2)	The holder of a commercial fishing licence must not take fish for processing or sale other than as permitted by the licence.
Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units.
75	Taking fish contrary to scientific licence
The holder of a scientific licence must not, without reasonable excuse, take fish other than as permitted by the licence.
Maximum penalty:  10 penalty units.
76	Importing or exporting live fish without a licence
	(1)	A person must not, without reasonable excuse, import a live fish into, or export a live fish from, the ACT unless the person—
	(a)	is the holder of an import and export licence authorising the person to do so; or
	(b)	has the written approval of the conservator.
Maximum penalty:  100 penalty units, imprisonment for 1 year or both.
	(2)	The holder of an import and export licence must not, without reasonable excuse, import a live fish into, or export a live fish from the ACT other than as permitted by the licence.
Maximum penalty:  100 penalty units.
	(3)	Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to fish bought from a registered fish dealer for human consumption.
77	Possessing etc fish obtained illegally
	(1)	A person must not, without reasonable excuse, have in his or her possession a fish that has been imported into the Territory in contravention of section 76.
Maximum penalty:  100 penalty units, imprisonment for 1 year or both.
	(2)	A person must not, without reasonable excuse, be in possession of fish taken in contravention of a law of a State.
Maximum penalty:  100 penalty units, imprisonment for 1 year or both.
78	Noxious fish
A person must not, without reasonable excuse, have in his or her possession a noxious fish except with the written approval of the conservator.
Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or both.
79	Release of fish
A person must not, without reasonable excuse, release a live fish into public waters—
	(a)	except with the written approval of the conservator; or
	(b)	unless the fish was taken from the part of the public waters into which it is released.
Maximum penalty:  10 penalty units.
Division 8.2	General offences
80	Fishing closure
	(1)	A person who, without reasonable excuse, takes fish in contravention of a fishing closure commits an offence.
Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units.
	(2)	A person who, without reasonable excuse, is in possession of fish taken in contravention of a fishing closure commits an offence.
Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units.
81	Prohibited size or weight of fish
	(1)	A person must not, without reasonable excuse, take fish of a prohibited size or weight from public waters.
Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or both.
	(2)	A person must not, without reasonable excuse, have in his or her possession fish of a prohibited size or weight that have been taken from public waters.
Maximum penalty:  30 penalty units.
	(3)	A reference in subsection (1) or (2) to fish of a prohibited size or weight is a reference to fish declared under section 15 (Declaration of fish of a prohibited size or weight) to be of a prohibited size or weight.
82	Quantity of fish
A person must not, without reasonable excuse, take from public waters in a day a quantity of a species of fish more than the quantity declared under section 16 (Declaration of fish quantity) to be the quantity of fish of that species that may be taken in a day.
Maximum penalty:  30 penalty units.
83	Unintentionally taking fish
A person who unintentionally takes a fish in contravention of this Act does not commit an offence if the person—
	(a)	is otherwise complying with this Act at the time of the offence; and
	(b)	immediately returns the fish to the waters from which it was taken with the least possible injury.
84	Beheading or filleting fish
	(1)	A person must not behead or fillet a fish in or beside public waters.
Maximum penalty:  10 penalty units.
	(2)	It is a defence to a prosecution under subsection (1) if it is shown that the defendant beheaded or filleted the fish for immediate consumption.
85	Use of live bait
	(1)	A person must not use live fin fish as bait.
Maximum penalty:  30 penalty units.
	(2)	A person must not have in his or her possession live fin fish for use as bait while beside public waters.
Maximum penalty:  30 penalty units.
Division 8.3	Offences in relation to fishing gear
86	Set lines
A person may only use fishing gear to take fish from public waters if the person—
	(a)	is within 10m of the gear; and
	(b)	can see the gear at all times; and
	(c)	is permitted to take fish under this Act.
Maximum penalty:  10 penalty units.
87	Fishing gear
	(1)	A person must not, without reasonable excuse, use in or beside any public waters fishing gear other than fishing gear permitted to be used in those waters by a declaration under section 17 (Declaration of fishing gear).
Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units.
	(2)	A person must not, without reasonable excuse, while in or beside any public waters, have in his or her possession fishing gear other than fishing gear permitted to be used in those waters by a declaration under section 17.
Maximum penalty:  30 penalty units.
88	Possession of commercial fishing gear
	(1)	A person must not, without reasonable excuse, use commercial fishing gear in or beside public waters.
Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units.
	(2)	A person must not, without reasonable excuse, be in possession of commercial fishing gear in or beside public waters.
Maximum penalty:  30 penalty units.
	(3)	Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to the holder of a commercial fishing licence.
	(4)	For this section, a person is taken to use or be in possession of commercial fishing gear only if the person uses or has in his or her possession—
	(a)	a number of lines more than the number determined by the Minister in writing; or
	(b)	a number of nets more than the number determined by the Minister in writing; or
	(c)	a net larger than the size determined by the Minister in writing; or
	(d)	other equipment determined by the Minister in writing.
	(5)	A determination under subsection (4) is a disallowable instrument.
Note	A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act 2001.
Division 8.4	Protection of aquatic habitats
89	Spawning areas
	(1)	A person must not, knowingly, disturb or damage spawn or spawning fish in public waters.
Maximum penalty:  30 penalty units.
	(2)	It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subsection (1) that the act constituting the offence—
	(a)	was authorised by a scientific licence; or
	(b)	was done with the written approval of the conservator.

Part 9	Infringement notices for certain offences
Division 9.1	Interpretation
90	Definitions for pt 9
In this part:
date of service, of an infringement notice or reminder notice that has been, or is to be, served on a person, means the date the notice is served on the person.
infringement notice means a notice under section 92 (Service of infringement notices).
infringement notice offence means an offence prescribed under the regulations as an infringement notice offence.
infringement notice penalty, for a person for an infringement notice offence, means—
	(a)	the amount prescribed under the regulations as the penalty payable by the person for the offence under an infringement notice for the offence; or
	(b)	if a reminder notice has also been served on the person for the offence—the total of the amount mentioned in paragraph (a) and the amount prescribed under the regulations as the amount payable by the person for the cost of serving the reminder notice.
reminder notice means a notice under section 100.
Division 9.2	Infringement and reminder notices
91	Purpose and effect of div 9.2
	(1)	The purpose of this division is to create a system of infringement notices for certain offences against this Act as an alternative to prosecution.
	(2)	This division does not—
	(a)	require an infringement or reminder notice to be served on a person; or
	(b)	affect the liability of a person to be prosecuted for an offence if an infringement or reminder notice is not served on the person for the offence; or
	(c)	prevent the service of 2 or more infringement notices on a person for an offence; or
	(d)	affect the liability of a person to be prosecuted for an offence if—
	(i)	the person does not comply with an infringement or reminder notice served on the person for the offence; or
	(ii)	an infringement notice served on the person is withdrawn; or
	(e)	limit or otherwise affect the penalty that may be imposed by a court on a person convicted of an offence.
92	Service of infringement notices
If a conservation officer believes, on reasonable grounds, that a person has committed an infringement notice offence, the officer may serve a notice (an infringement notice) on the person for the offence.
93	Contents of infringement notices
An infringement notice served on a person by a conservation officer for an infringement notice offence must—
	(a)	be identified by a unique number; and
	(b)	state the date of service of the notice; and
	(c)	state the full name, or surname and initials, and address of the person; and
	(d)	give brief details of the offence, including the provisions of this Act contravened by the person and—
	(i)	if the offence took place over a period—the period when the offence was committed; or
	(ii)	in any other case—the place where the offence was committed and the date and approximate time of the offence; and
	(e)	state the infringement notice penalty payable by the person for the offence; and
	(f)	contain the information required by section 94; and
	(g)	identify the conservation officer; and
	(h)	include any other information required under the regulations and any additional information that the conservator considers appropriate.
94	Additional information in infringement notices
	(1)	The infringement notice must also tell the person on whom it is served that—
	(a)	the person may pay the infringement notice penalty for the offence or dispute liability for the offence within 28 days after the day on which the notice is served on the person (the date of service of the notice); and
	(b)	the person may apply to the conservator for additional time in which to pay the penalty or dispute liability for the offence; and
	(c)	the notice may be withdrawn before or after the penalty is paid; and
	(d)	if the person pays the penalty within the 28 days (or any longer time allowed by the conservator), then, unless the infringement notice is withdrawn and any penalty refunded—
	(i)	any liability of the person for the offence is discharged; and
	(ii)	the person will not be prosecuted in court for the offence; and
	(iii)	the person will not be taken to have been convicted of the offence; and
	(e)	if the person wishes to dispute liability for the offence, the matter may be referred to the Magistrates Court; and
	(f)	if the Magistrates Court finds against the person or the person is prosecuted in court for the offence, the person may be convicted of the offence and ordered to pay a penalty and costs, and be subject to other court orders; and
	(g)	if the person does not pay the infringement notice penalty, or dispute liability for the offence within the 28 days (or any longer time allowed by the conservator), a reminder notice may be served on the person for the offence or the person may be prosecuted in court for the offence; and
	(h)	if a reminder notice is served on the person, the infringement notice penalty is increased by the amount payable by the person for the cost of serving the reminder notice.
	(2)	In addition, the infringement notice must—
	(a)	explain how the person may pay the infringement notice penalty or dispute liability for the offence; and
	(b)	explain how the person may apply for a longer time to pay the infringement notice penalty or dispute liability for the offence.
95	Time for payment of infringement notice penalty
The infringement notice penalty payable by a person under an infringement notice or reminder notice is payable—
	(a)	within 28 days after the date of service; or
	(b)	if the person applies to the conservator within the 28 days for additional time to pay and the additional time is allowed—within the additional time allowed by the conservator; or
	(c)	if the person applies to the conservator within the 28 days for additional time to pay and the application is refused—within 7 days after the day the person is told of the refusal or 28 days after the date of service, whichever is later.
96	Extension of time to pay penalty
	(1)	The person on whom an infringement notice or reminder notice is served may apply, in writing, to the conservator, within 28 days after the notice is served on the person, for a stated longer time in which to pay the infringement notice penalty.
	(2)	The conservator must—
	(a)	allow or refuse to allow the longer period; and
	(b)	tell the person in writing of the decision and, if the decision is a refusal, the reasons for it.
97	Effect of payment of infringement notice penalty
	(1)	This section applies if—
	(a)	an infringement notice has been served on a person for an infringement notice offence; and
	(b)	the person pays the infringement notice penalty for the offence in accordance with this part; and
	(c)	at the time the payment is made, the infringement notice had not been withdrawn and an information had not been laid in the Magistrates Court against the person for the offence.
	(2)	If this section applies—
	(a)	any liability of the person for the offence is discharged; and
	(b)	the person must not be prosecuted in a court for the offence; and
	(c)	the person is not taken to have been convicted of the offence.
	(3)	If 2 or more infringement notices were served on the person for the offence, then, unless all the infringement notices have been withdrawn, subsection (2) applies to the person in relation to the offence if the person pays, in accordance with this part, the infringement notice penalty in relation to any of the notices (together with any costs and disbursements payable under this part in relation to the notice).
98	Application for withdrawal of infringement notice
	(1)	The person on whom an infringement notice for an infringement notice offence is served may apply to the conservator, in writing, for the withdrawal of the notice within 28 days after the day when the infringement notice, or a reminder notice for the offence, is served on the person (or any longer time allowed by the conservator).
	(2)	The conservator must—
	(a)	withdraw the notice or refuse to withdraw the notice; and
	(b)	tell the person, in writing, of the decision and, if the decision is a refusal, the reasons for it.
99	Withdrawal of infringement notice
	(1)	This section applies to an infringement notice that has been served on a person for an infringement notice offence.
	(2)	The conservator may, by notice served on the person, withdraw the infringement notice, whether or not—
	(a)	the person has made an application for the withdrawal of the infringement notice; or
	(b)	the infringement notice penalty (or part of it) has been paid for the offence.
	(3)	The notice must—
	(a)	include the infringement notice number and the date of service of the infringement notice; and
	(b)	tell the person that the infringement notice is withdrawn and, in general terms, about subsection (4).
	(4)	On service of the notice—
	(a)	this part ceases to apply to the infringement notice; and
	(b)	if the infringement notice penalty (or part of it) has been paid—the amount paid must be repaid by the conservator; and
	(c)	if section 97 (Effect of payment of infringement notice penalty) applies to the offence—the section ceases to apply, and is taken never to have applied, to the offence; and
	(d)	a proceeding for the offence may be taken in a court against anyone (including the person) as if the infringement notice had not been served on the person.
100	Reminder notices
A conservation officer may serve a notice (a reminder notice) on a person if—
	(a)	an infringement notice has been served on the person for an infringement notice offence; and
	(b)	the infringement notice has not been withdrawn; and
	(c)	the infringement notice penalty has not been paid to the conservator within the time in which it is required to be paid under this part; and
	(d)	written notice disputing liability has not been given to the conservator in accordance with this part; and
	(e)	a reminder notice has not previously been served on the person for the offence.
101	Contents of reminder notices
A reminder notice served on a person by a conservation officer for an infringement notice offence must—
	(a)	be identified by a unique number; and
	(b)	include the following information:
	(i)	brief details of the offence;
	(ii)	the number of the infringement notice served on the person for the offence;
	(iii)	the date of service of the infringement notice; and
	(c)	state the date of service of the reminder notice; and
	(d)	state the infringement notice penalty that is now payable by the person for the offence; and
	(e)	contain the information required by section 102; and
	(f)	identify the conservation officer; and
	(g)	include any other information required under the regulations and any additional information that the conservator considers appropriate.
102	Additional information in reminder notices
	(1)	The reminder notice must also tell the person on whom it is served that—
	(a)	the infringement notice penalty for the offence has not been paid; and
	(b)	the infringement notice has not been withdrawn; and
	(c)	written notice disputing liability has not been received by the conservator from the person for the offence; and
	(d)	the infringement notice penalty for the offence has been increased by the amount payable by the person for the cost of serving the reminder notice; and
	(e)	the person may pay the infringement notice penalty that is now payable by the person for the offence or dispute liability for the offence within 28 days after the day on which the reminder notice is served on the person (the date of service of the notice); and
	(f)	the person may apply to the conservator for a longer time in which to pay the penalty or dispute liability for the offence; and
	(g)	the notice may be withdrawn before or after the penalty is paid; and
	(h)	if the person pays the penalty within the 28 days (or any longer time allowed by the conservator), then, unless the infringement notice is withdrawn and any penalty refunded—
	(i)	any liability of the person for the offence is discharged; and
	(ii)	the person will not be prosecuted in court for the offence; and
	(iii)	the person will not be taken to have been convicted of the offence; and
	(i)	if the person wishes to dispute liability for the offence, the matter may be referred to the Magistrates Court; and
	(j)	if the Magistrates Court finds against the person or the person is prosecuted in court for the offence, the person may be convicted of the offence and ordered to pay a penalty and costs, and be subject to other court orders; and
	(k)	if the person does not pay the infringement notice penalty, or dispute liability for the offence, within the 28 days (or any longer time allowed by the conservator), the person may be prosecuted in court for the offence.
	(2)	In addition, the reminder notice must—
	(a)	explain how the person may pay the infringement notice penalty or dispute liability for the offence; and
	(b)	explain how the person may apply for longer time to pay the infringement notice penalty or dispute liability for the offence.
Division 9.3	Disputing liability
103	Disputing liability for an infringement notice offence
	(1)	A person on whom an infringement notice or reminder notice has been served for an infringement notice offence may dispute liability for the offence by written notice given to the conservator.
	(2)	The notice must set out the grounds on which the person relies.
	(3)	The notice must be given to the conservator—
	(a)	within 28 days after the date of service of the infringement notice or reminder notice; or
	(b)	if the person applies to the conservator within the 28 days for a longer time to dispute liability for the offence and the longer time is allowed—within the longer time allowed by the conservator; or
	(c)	if the person applies to the conservator within the 28 days for a longer time to dispute liability for the offence and the application is refused—within 7 days after the day the person is told of the refusal or 28 days after the date of service, whichever is later.
104	Extension of time to dispute liability
	(1)	The person on whom an infringement notice or reminder notice is served may apply, in writing, to the conservator, within 28 days after the date of service of the notice, for a stated additional time in which to dispute liability for the offence.
	(2)	The conservator must—
	(a)	allow or refuse to allow the additional period; and
	(b)	tell the person in writing of the decision and, if the decision is a refusal, the reasons for it.
105	Procedure if liability disputed
	(1)	This section applies if a person disputes liability for an infringement notice offence by giving the conservator notice in accordance with section 103 (Disputing liability for infringement notice offence).
	(2)	The conservator may lay an information in the Magistrates Court against the person for the offence within 90 days after being given the notice.
	(3)	The conservator must discontinue a proceeding brought against the person for the offence if, before the hearing of the proceeding, the person pays the total of—
	(a)	the infringement notice penalty; and
	(b)	the costs (if any) prescribed under the regulations for beginning the proceeding; and
	(c)	the disbursements (if any) made by the conservator up to the day payment is made.
	(4)	If subsection (3) applies, section 97 (Effect of payment of infringement notice penalty) also applies to the person in relation to the offence, even though the person paid the infringement notice penalty for the offence after an information had been laid in the Magistrates Court against the person for the offence.
	(5)	If the conservator does not lay an information in the Magistrates Court against the person for the offence within 90 days after being given the notice, the conservator must—
	(a)	tell the person, in writing, that no further action will be taken against the person for the offence; and
	(b)	take no further action against the person for the offence.
Division 9.4	Miscellaneous
106	Evidentiary certificates
	(1)	This section applies to a proceeding for an infringement notice offence.
	(2)	A certificate that appears to be signed by or on behalf of the conservator and states any matter relevant to anything done or not done under this part in relation to the infringement notice offence is evidence of the matter.
	(3)	Without limiting subsection (2), a certificate given under that subsection may state any of the following:
	(a)	a stated infringement notice or reminder notice was served by a stated conservation officer in a stated way on a stated person on a stated date for a stated infringement notice offence;
	(b)	the conservator did not allow further time, or allowed a stated further time, for payment of the infringement notice penalty or to dispute liability for the offence;
	(c)	the infringement notice penalty was not paid within the time in which it was required to be paid under this part;
	(d)	the infringement notice has not been withdrawn or was withdrawn on a stated date;
	(e)	a stated address was on a stated date the last home or business address of a stated person known to the conservator;
	(f)	an infringement notice penalty has not been paid by, or a penalty has not been imposed on, a stated person or anyone for the offence.

Part 10	Review of decisions
    
107	Review of decisions
	(1)	Application may be made to the administrative appeals tribunal for review of a decision of the conservator—
	(a)	under section 25, refusing to issue a licence; or
	(b)	under section 30, issuing a licence with conditions; or
	(c)	under section 31, changing a licence; or
	(d)	under section 34, cancelling a licence; or
	(e)	under section 39, refusing to register a fish dealer; or
	(f)	under section 41 or 42, suspending or cancelling a fish dealer’s registration.
	(2)	Application may be made to the administrative appeals tribunal for review of a decision of a conservation officer under section 68 (6) to retain a seized thing.
108	Notification of decisions
	(1)	If the conservator or a conservation officer makes a decision mentioned in section 107, he or she must give written notice of the decision to the person affected by the decision.
	(2)	A notice under subsection (1) must be in accordance with the code of practice in force under the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1989, section 25B (1).

Part 11	Miscellaneous
    
109	Delegation
The conservator may, in writing, delegate his or her powers under this Act to a conservation officer.
110	Acts and omissions of representatives
	(1)	In this section:
representative means—
	(a)	for a corporation—an executive officer, employee or agent of the corporation; or
	(b)	for an individual—an employee or agent of the individual.
state of mind, of a person, includes—
	(a)	the person’s knowledge, intention, opinion, belief or purpose; and
	(b)	the person’s reasons for the intention, opinion, belief or purpose.
	(2)	This section applies to a prosecution for any offence against this Act.
	(3)	If it is relevant to prove a person’s state of mind about an act or omission, it is enough to show—
	(a)	the act was done or omission made by a representative of the person within the scope of the representative’s actual or apparent authority; and
	(b)	the representative had the state of mind.
	(4)	An act done or omitted to be done on behalf of a person by a representative of the person within the scope of the representative’s actual or apparent authority is taken to have been done or omitted to be done also by the person, unless the person proves the person could not, by the exercise of reasonable diligence, have prevented the act or omission.
	(5)	An individual who is convicted of an offence cannot be punished by imprisonment for the offence if the individual would not have been convicted of the offence without subsection (3) or (4).
111	Criminal liability of officers of corporation
	(1)	If a corporation commits an offence against this Act, an executive officer of the corporation—
	(a)	commits the offence; and
	(b)	is liable, on conviction, to a penalty not exceeding the maximum penalty that may be imposed for the commission of the offence by an individual.
	(2)	It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subsection (1) that—
	(a)	the defendant exercised due diligence to prevent the corporation from doing the act or making the omission alleged to constitute the offence or an element of the offence committed by the corporation; or
	(b)	an officer or employee of the corporation occupying the defendant’s position could not reasonably have been expected to know of the contravention; or
	(c)	the corporation would not have been found guilty of the offence because of its being able to establish a defence available to it under this Act.
	(3)	An executive officer may, under subsection (1), be prosecuted for and convicted of an offence whether or not the corporation has been prosecuted for or convicted of the offence.
112	Production of licences
A licensee must, unless the licensee has a reasonable excuse, within 2 working days of being asked to do so by a conservation officer, produce his or her licence at the office of the conservator.
Maximum penalty:  5 penalty units.
113	Guidelines
	(1)	The Minister may, in writing, issue guidelines about the exercise of the conservator’s functions under the following sections:
	(a)	section 26 (Issue of commercial fishing licences—relevant considerations);
	(b)	section 27 (Issue of scientific licences—relevant considerations);
	(c)	section 28 (Import and export licences—relevant considerations);
	(d)	section 30 (Licence conditions and exemptions);
	(e)	section 31 (Licence changes);
	(f)	section 39 (Decision on application).
	(2)	The conservator must comply with guidelines issued under this section.
	(3)	A guideline under this section is a disallowable instrument.
Note	A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act 2001.
114	Determination of fees
	(1)	The Minister may, in writing, determine fees for this Act.
Note	The Legislation Act 2001 contains provisions about the making of determinations and regulations relating to fees (see pt 6.3).
	(2)	A determination is a disallowable instrument.
Note	A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act 2001.
115	Approved forms
	(1)	The conservator may, in writing, approve forms for this Act.
	(2)	If the conservator approves a form for a particular purpose, the approved form must be used for that purpose.
	(3)	An approved form is a notifiable instrument.
Note	A notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation Act 2001.
116	Regulation-making power
	(1) 	The Executive may make regulations for this Act.
Note	Regulations must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act 2001.
	(2)	The regulations may make provision in relation to—
	(a)	the sale, transport, storage, processing and handling of fish; and
	(b)	the keeping of records for activities mentioned in paragraph (a); and
	(c)	the prevention of damage to a place where fish spawn or are likely to spawn.
	(3)	The regulations may also prescribe offences for contraventions of the regulations and prescribe maximum penalties of not more than 10 penalty units for offences against the regulations.
117	Regulations prescribing infringement notice penalties
	(1)	The regulations may, for section 90, definition of infringement notice penalty, prescribe—
	(a)	an amount as the penalty payable by anyone for an offence if it is dealt with under part 9; or
	(b)	different amounts as the penalties payable for different offences if they are dealt with under part 9; or
	(c)	different amounts as the penalties payable for the same kind of offence committed by different people or in different circumstances if the offence is dealt with under part 9.
	(2)	However, an infringement notice penalty prescribed for a person for an offence must not be more than the maximum fine that could be imposed by a court on the person for the offence.
	(3)	Subsection (1) does not limit the ways that the regulations may prescribe an amount for the definition.

Dictionary
(see s 4)
aquaculture means—
	(a)	cultivating fish or marine vegetation for harvesting the fish or vegetation or their progeny for sale; or
	(b)	keeping fish or marine vegetation in a confined area for a commercial purpose;
but does not include—
	(c)	keeping anything in a pet shop for sale or in an aquarium for exhibition (including an aquarium operated commercially); or
	(d)	anything done in maintaining a collection of fish or marine vegetation that is not used for a commercial purpose; or
	(e)	an activity prescribed by the regulations.
boat means any kind of vessel, however navigated.
conservation officer means a conservation officer under the Nature Conservation Act 1980.
conservator means the conservator of flora and fauna under the Nature Conservation Act 1980.
corresponding law means a law of a State that regulates fisheries.
environment—see the Environment Protection Act 1997, section 4.
executive officer, of a corporation, means a person, by whatever name called and whether or not the person is a director of the corporation, who is concerned with, or takes part in, the corporation’s management.
fin fish means a marine, estuarine or freshwater fish of the class pisces.
fish means marine, estuarine or freshwater fish or other aquatic animal life, or any of their parts, at any stage of their history (whether alive or dead), and includes—
	(a)	abalone, oysters and other aquatic molluscs; and
	(b)	crustaceans; and
	(c)	echinoderms; and
	(d)	beachworms and other aquatic polychaetes;
but does not include—
	(e)	reptiles; and
	(f)	birds; and
	(g)	amphibians.
fish dealer means a person who receives fish, for resale or other commercial use, from a person whom he or she knows or suspects or ought to know or suspect to be a commercial fisher, but does not include a person who receives fish only for the purpose of transporting them on behalf of the owner of the fish.
fishing closure—see section 13.
fishing gear means equipment, other than a vehicle or boat, used for taking fish.
licence means—
	(a)	a commercial fishing licence; or
	(b)	a scientific licence; or
	(c)	an import and export licence;
issued under section 25.
licensee means the holder of a licence.
net includes anything attached to a net.
newspaper means a newspaper published and circulating daily in the ACT.
noxious fish means a species of fish declared to be noxious under section 14.
possession includes having a thing in the custody of someone else.
private waters means—
	(a)	waters of a dam, water storage or other water control structure that is not situated on a waterway; and
	(b)	waters used for aquaculture.
processing means break up, can, chill, cook, cut up, freeze, pack, preserve, purge, shell, shuck, skin or otherwise treat or process fish.
public waters means all waters other than private waters.
receive fish, means receive fish from someone else, whether by purchase or otherwise, for any purpose other than—
	(a)	personal or domestic consumption; or
	(b)	transportation.
register means the register kept under section 35.
registered means registered under this Act.
sell includes—
	(a)	sell by wholesale, retail, auction or tender; and
	(b)	barter or exchange; and
	(c)	supply for profit; and
	(d)	offer for sale, receive for sale or expose for sale; and
	(e)	consign or deliver for sale; and
	(f)	have in possession for sale; and
	(g)	cause or allow anything mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (f) to be done.
species, of fish, includes a subspecies, domesticated forms or hybrids of a species.
take means to gather, catch, kill or remove fish from an aquatic habitat.
vehicle—see the Road Transport (General) Act 1999, dictionary.
waters means public waters and private waters.

Endnotes
1	About the endnotes
Amending and modifying laws are annotated in the legislation history and the amendment history.  Current modifications are not included in the republished law but are set out in the endnotes.
Not all editorial amendments made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 are annotated in the amendment history.  Full details of any amendments can be obtained from the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office.
Uncommenced amending laws and expiries are listed in the legislation history and the amendment history.  These details are underlined.  Uncommenced provisions and amendments are not included in the republished law but are set out in the last endnote.
If all the provisions of the law have been renumbered, a table of renumbered provisions gives details of previous and current numbering.  
The endnotes also include a table of earlier republications.
If the republished law includes penalties, current information about penalty unit values appears on the republication inside front cover.
2	Abbreviation key

am = amended	ord = ordinance	
amdt = amendment	orig = original	
ch = chapter	p = page	
cl = clause	par = paragraph	
def = definition	pres = present	
dict = dictionary	prev = previous	
disallowed = disallowed by the Legislative 	(prev...) = previously	
Assembly	prov = provision	
div = division	pt = part	
exp = expires/expired	r = rule/subrule	
Gaz = Gazette	reg = regulation/subregulation	
hdg = heading	renum = renumbered	
IA = Interpretation Act 1967	reloc = relocated	
ins = inserted/added	R[X] = Republication No	
LA = Legislation Act 2001	s = section/subsection	
LR = legislation register	sch = schedule	
LRA = Legislation (Republication) Act 1996	sdiv = subdivision	
mod = modified / modification	sub = substituted	
No = number	SL  = Subordinate Law	
num = numbered	underlining = whole or part not commenced	
o = order	or to be expired	
om = omitted/repealed		
3	Legislation history
Fisheries Act 2000 No 38
notified 20 July 2000 (Gaz 2000 No 29)
s 1, s 2 commenced 20 July 2000 (IA s 10B)
remainder commenced 13 September 2000 (Gaz 2000 No 35)
as amended by
Legislation (Consequential Amendments) Act 2001 No 44 pt 155
notified 26 July 2001 (Gaz 2001 No 30)
s 1, s 2 commenced 26 July 2001 (IA s 10B)
pt 155 commenced 12 September 2001 (s 2 and see Gaz 2001 No S65)
Legislation Amendment Act 2002 No 11 pt 2.22
notified LR 27 May 2002
s 1, s 2 commenced 27 May 2002 (LA s 75)
pt 2.22 commenced 28 May 2002 (s 2 (1))
Statute Law Amendment Act 2002 No 30 pt 3.29
notified LR 16 September 2002
s 1, s 2 taken to have commenced 19 May 1997 (LA s 75 (2))
pt 3.29 commenced 17 September 2002 (s 2 (1))
4	Amendment history
Commencement
s 2	om R1 LRA
Preparation of fisheries management plan
s 6	sub 2001 No 44 amdt 1.1746
Consultation on draft plan
s 7	sub 2001 No 44 amdt 1.1746
Consideration of suggestions etc and revision of draft plan
s 8	sub 2001 No 44 amdt 1.1746
Formal changes to draft plan
s 8A	ins 2001 No 44 amdt 1.1746
Submission of draft plan to Minister
s 9	am 2001 No 44 amdt 1.1747
Fisheries management plan disallowable instrument etc
s 12	am 2001 No 44 amdt 1.1748, amdt 1.1749
Fishing closures and declarations
pt 3 hdg	sub 2001 No 44 amdt 1.1750
Fishing closures
s 13	am 2001 No 44 amdt 1.1751, amdt 1.1752
Declaration of noxious fish
s 14	am 2001 No 44 amdt 1.1753, amdt 1.1754
Declaration of fish of a prohibited size or weight
s 15	am 2001 No 44 amdt 1.1755, amdt 1.1756
Declaration of fish quantity
s 16	am 2001 No 44 amdt 1.1757, amdt 1.1758
Declaration of fishing gear
s 17	am 2001 No 44 amdt 1.1759, amdt 1.1760
Disallowable instruments
s 18	om 2001 No 44 amdt 1.1761
Applications for licences
s 23	sub 2001 No 44 amdt 1.1762
Issue of commercial fishing licences—relevant considerations
s 26	am 2002 No 30 amdt 3.373
Import and export licences—relevant considerations
s 28	am 2002 No 30 amdt 3.373
Cancellation of licences
s 34	am 2002 No 30 amdt 3.373
Applications for registration
s 38	sub 2001 No 44 amdt 1.1763
Commercial fishers and fish dealers to make records
s 46	am 2001 No 44 amdt 1.1764, amdt 1.1765
Copying and keeping records etc
s 52	am 2001 No 44 amdt 1.1766, amdt 1.1767
Conservation officer’s powers
pt 7 note	ins 2002 No 11 amdt 2.44
Legal professional privilege
s 73	om 2002 No 11 amdt 2.45
Possession of commercial fishing gear
s 88	am 2001 No 44 amdt 1.1768, amdt 1.1769
Guidelines
s 113	sub 2001 No 44 amdt 1.1770
Determination of fees
s 114	sub 2001 No 44 amdt 1.1770
Approved forms
s 115	am 2001 No 44 amdt 1.1771, amdt 1.1772
Regulation-making power
s 116	sub 2001 No 44 amdt 1.1773
Repeal
s 118	om R1 LRA
Meaning of commencement day for pt 12
s 119	exp 31 December 2001 (s 120 (3))
Transitional provisions and consequential amendments
pt 12 hdg	om R3 LA
Permits to take fish for scientific purposes
s 120	exp 31 December 2001 (s 120 (3))
Amendments of Nature Conservation Act
s 121	om R1 LRA
Amendments of the Nature Conservation Act 1980
sch	om R1 LRA
Dictionary
dict	def determined fee om 2001 No 44 amdt 1.1774
5	Earlier republications
Some earlier republications were not numbered. The number in column 1 refers to the publication order.

Republication No	Amendments to	Republication date	
1	not amended	30 September 2000	
2	Act 2001 No 44	30 November 2001	
3	Act 2001 No 44	10 January 2002	
4	Act 2002 No 11	30 May 2002	

Unauthorised version prepared by ACT Parliamentary Counsel's Office

©  Australian Capital Territory 2002