Declaration of an Approved Wildlife Trade Operation - South Australian Marine Scalefish Fishery

Administered by Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Legislation au F2016N00001 Not in force Notifiable Instrument

Legislation content

Declaration of an Approved Wildlife Trade Operation – South Australian Marine Scalefish Fishery

made under subsection 303FN(2) and paragraph 303FN(10)(d) of the

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Compilation No. 1 

Compilation date:   23 July 2016

Includes amendments up to: Declaration of an Approved Wildlife Trade
     Operation – South Australian Marine
     Scalefish Fishery (Variation) [F2016N00015]

 

 

 

 

About this compilation

 

This compilation

This is a compilation of the Declaration of an Approved Wildlife Trade Operation – South Australian Marine Scalefish Fishery (Variation) [F2016N00001] that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 23 July 2016 (the compilation date).

The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.

Uncommenced amendments

The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Legislation Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled law.

Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments

If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.

Modifications

If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled law.

Selfrepealing provisions

If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.

 

 

 

 

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

 

DECLARATION OF AN APPROVED WILDLIFE TRADE OPERATION

 

I, Paul Murphy, Assistant Secretary, Wildlife Trade and Biosecurity Branch, as Delegate of the Minister for the Environment, having satisfied myself on the matters set out in section 303FN of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), declare the operation that is specified in column 1 of Table 1, to be an approved wildlife trade operation under subsection 303FN (2) and paragraph 303FN(10)(d), of the EPBC Act, but only to the extent the operation relates to the class of specimens specified in column 2 of Table 1.

 

Table 1

Operation

Class of Specimens

South Australian Marine Scalefish Fishery, as defined in the management plan in force under the Fisheries Management Act 2007, the Fisheries Management (Marine Scalefish Fisheries) Regulations 2006 and the Fisheries Management (General) Regulations 2007.

Specimens that are, or are derived from, fish or invertebrates, other than:

a)      specimens that belong to species listed under Part 13 of the EPBC Act, and

b)      specimens that belong to taxa listed under section 303CA of the EPBC Act (Part 13A), except for smooth hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena).

 

Unless amended or revoked, this declaration:

a)              is subject to the conditions applied under section 303FT specified in the Schedule.

 

Notes:                                                                                                                                                                                    

 

1. Under the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975, a person whose interests are affected by this decision may apply for a statement of reasons and for independent review of the decision. An application for a statement of reasons may be made in writing to the Department of the Environment within 28 days of the date of the declaration. An application for independent review may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal on payment of the relevant fee within 28 days of the date of the declaration, or if reasons are sought, within 28 days of receipt of reasons. Further information may be obtained from the Director, Sustainable Fisheries Section.

 

2. Australia’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) are met through Part 13A of the EPBC Act. Specimens of species listed in Appendix II of Australia’s CITES list under section 303CA of the EPBC Act may only be exported, under a CITES export permit issued under the EPBC Act, if Australia’s CITES Scientific Authority has issued a non detriment finding for that species. Further information, including a list of species for which non detriment findings have been issued and the fisheries from which they may be sourced, is available from htttp://www.environment.gov.au/topics/biodiversity/wildlife-trade/internationally-endangered-plants-and-animals-cites/how-export.

 

SCHEDULE

 

Declaration of the Harvest Operations of the South Australian Marine Scalefish Fishery as an approved wildlife trade operation

 

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS (section 303FT)

 

 

1. Operation of the fishery will be carried out in accordance with the management regime under the SA Fisheries Management Act 2007, the Fisheries Management (Marine Scalefish Fisheries) Regulations 2006 and the Fisheries Management (General) Regulations 2007.

2. PIRSA to inform the Department of the Environment and Energy of any intended material changes to the SA Marine Scalefish Fishery management arrangements that may affect the assessment against which Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 decisions are made.

3. PIRSA to produce and present reports to the Department of the Environment and Energy annually as per Appendix B of the Guidelines for the Ecologically Sustainable Management of Fisheries - 2nd Edition (the Guidelines).

4. Following the updated scientific assessments of stock levels for snapper, King George whiting and garfish (expected in 2016, 2017 and 2018 respectively) and in response to findings in those assessments, PIRSA to:

 a) ensure findings of the updated scientific assessments are publicly available, and include an evaluation of the success of changes to management arrangements implemented since the last fishery assessments             

 b) finalise, publicly release and implement recovery strategies to rebuild primary species stocks to ecologically viable levels, within a specific time period, appropriate to the biology of the stocks

 c) continue to ensure that stock levels of these species are well understood.

 

 Unless otherwise amended or revoked, this declaration is valid until 15 March 2019.

Endnotes

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

The endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.

The following endnotes are included in every compilation:

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history

Abbreviation key—Endnote 2

The abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.

Legislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4

Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.

The legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.

The amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.

Misdescribed amendments

A misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe the amendment to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, the amendment is incorporated into the compiled law and the abbreviation “(md)” added to the details of the amendment included in the amendment history.

If a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the abbreviation “(md not incorp)” is added to the details of the amendment included in the amendment history. 

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

 

o = order(s)

ad = added or inserted

Ord = Ordinance

am = amended

orig = original

amdt = amendment

par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)

c = clause(s)

    /subsubparagraph(s)

C[x] = Compilation No. x

pres = present

Ch = Chapter(s)

prev = previous

def = definition(s)

(prev…) = previously

Dict = Dictionary

Pt = Part(s)

disallowed = disallowed by Parliament

r = regulation(s)/rule(s)

Div = Division(s)

 

exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have

reloc = relocated

    effect

renum = renumbered

F = Federal Register of Legislation

rep = repealed

gaz = gazette

rs = repealed and substituted

LA = Legislation Act 2003

s = section(s)/subsection(s)

LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003

Sch = Schedule(s)

(md) = misdescribed amendment can be given

Sdiv = Subdivision(s)

    effect

SLI = Select Legislative Instrument

(md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment

SR = Statutory Rules

    cannot be given effect

SubCh = SubChapter(s)

mod = modified/modification

SubPt = Subpart(s)

No. = Number(s)

underlining = whole or part not

 

    commenced or to be commenced

 

Endnote 3—Legislation history

 

Name

Registration

Commencement

Application, saving and transitional provisions

Declaration of an Approved Wildlife Trade Operation - South Australian Marine Scalefish Fishery

24 March 2016 (F2016N00001)

25 March 2016

 

Declaration of an Approved Wildlife Trade Operation - South Australian Marine Scalefish Fishery (Variation)

22 July 2016 (F2016N00015)

23 July 2016

 

 

Endnote 4—Amendment history

 

Provision affected

How affected

Schedule   

am F2016N00015

 

 

 

 

Overview

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is a key piece of legislation designed to protect Australia's biodiversity and manage the environmental impact of proposed actions. Enacted by the Australian Parliament, the EPBC Act aims to address the problem of biodiversity loss and environmental degradation by providing a framework for the assessment and approval of activities that may significantly impact the environment. This includes the regulation of wildlife trade to prevent the overexploitation of endangered species. The Act identifies the policy objective of maintaining and enhancing Australia's biodiversity while allowing for sustainable development and trade. The legislation enables the declaration of approved wildlife trade operations, such as the South Australian Marine Scalefish Fishery, which are subject to specific conditions to ensure compliance with Australia's obligations under international conventions like CITES. The declaration ensures that the fishery operates sustainably and that species not listed under the EPBC Act, except for specified exceptions, are managed effectively. This regulatory approach aims to balance ecological sustainability with economic activities, allowing for trade while protecting critical species and ecosystems.

Scope and Application

The Declaration of an Approved Wildlife Trade Operation – South Australian Marine Scalefish Fishery, made under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), specifies the South Australian Marine Scalefish Fishery as an approved wildlife trade operation. This declaration applies to the harvesting and trade of marine scalefish, specifically excluding specimens belonging to species listed under Part 13 of the EPBC Act and taxa listed under section 303CA of the EPBC Act, except for smooth hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena). The operation must adhere to the conditions outlined in the Schedule, which includes complying with the management regime under the Fisheries Management Act 2007, the Fisheries Management (Marine Scalefish Fisheries) Regulations 2006, and the Fisheries Management (General) Regulations 2007. Additionally, the Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA) must inform the Department of the Environment and Energy of any material changes to the fishery management arrangements and produce annual reports as per the Guidelines for the Ecologically Sustainable Management of Fisheries. The declaration is valid until 15 March 2019, unless amended or revoked earlier. Affected parties have the right to request a statement of reasons and seek independent review of the decision.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the legislation declare the South Australian Marine Scalefish Fishery to be an approved wildlife trade operation under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), as per section 303FN(2) and paragraph 303FN(10)(d). This declaration is specifically applicable to specimens that are, or are derived from, fish or invertebrates, excluding those listed under Part 13 of the EPBC Act and taxa listed under section 303CA, except for smooth hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena). This approval is contingent on the fishery adhering to the conditions specified in the Schedule (section 303FT). The obligations imposed on the parties involved, particularly the South Australian Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA), include ensuring that the fishery operations comply with the South Australian Fisheries Management Act 2007, the Fisheries Management (Marine Scalefish Fisheries) Regulations 2006, and the Fisheries Management (General) Regulations 2007. PIRSA must inform the Department of the Environment and Energy of any significant changes to the fishery's management arrangements. Additionally, PIRSA is required to produce and submit annual reports to the Department of the Environment and Energy, as per Appendix B of the Guidelines for the Ecologically Sustainable Management of Fisheries - 2nd Edition. Following updated scientific assessments of stock levels for certain species, PIRSA must ensure the findings are publicly available, implement recovery strategies to rebuild stocks to ecologically viable levels, and continue to monitor stock levels effectively. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Act may result in various civil or criminal consequences. Although specific penalties are not detailed in the text, breaches of the EPBC Act generally may lead to substantial fines and, in some cases, imprisonment. The severity of penalties can depend on the nature and extent of the breach, with repeat offenders or those causing significant environmental harm facing more severe consequences. The declaration also notes that affected parties may apply for a statement of reasons and for independent review of the decision within 28 days of the declaration date, as per the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975.

Legal classification tags

Area of Law
Environmental Law
Instrument
Declaration
Concepts
Reporting & Disclosure Obligations
Regulatory Standards
Compliance Obligations

Interactions

Authorises

All Versions

Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.