(1)  A person may apply to the Minister for a permit to take any action which otherwise would contravene a provision of this Act for the following purposes:

(a) scientific research;

(b) the promotion of fishing or fish products;

(c) the development of fisheries;

(d) the development of fishing technology;

(e) educational and community awareness programs;

(f) fish stock depletion or enhancement;

(g) the collection, keeping, breeding, hatching or cultivating of rare or endangered fish;

(h) sport or recreation purposes by a person who, in the opinion of the Minister, would otherwise be unable by reason of that person's disability to engage in fishing by methods permitted under this Act;

(i) Aboriginal cultural and ceremonial activities;

(j) the development of marine farming;

(ja) the marine farming of fish for research purposes pursuant to an arrangement under section 161 ;

(k) law enforcement;

(l) environmental monitoring;

(m) bio-prospecting.

(2)  An application for a permit is to –

(a) be in an approved form; and

(b) contain any details the Minister requires; and

(c) be accompanied by a fee determined by the Minister; and

(d) be lodged with the Minister.

(3)  The Minister may require an applicant to provide further information or a declaration relating to the application or operation of a permit.

(4)  The Minister, without any applications being made, may –

(a) issue permits authorising the taking of actions which would otherwise contravene provisions of this Act; and

(b) determine to whom any such permit is to be issued; and

(c) determine the system by which the Minister is to make a determination under paragraph (b) ; and

(d) determine the conditions of any such permit.