“26ZQA Possessing certain kinds of fish without approval

• “(1) In this section, restricted fish means—

  • “(a) live grass carp; or

  • “(b) live silver carp.

  “(2) The Minister of Conservation may approve a person's possession of restricted fish.

  “(3) The following provisions apply when the approval of the Minister of Conservation is required under subsection (2):

  • “(a) the applicant must advertise, on at least 2 consecutive Saturdays in at least 1 newspaper circulating in the area concerned, the intention to possess the fish:

  • “(b) every advertisement under paragraph (a) must state that submissions or objections in respect of its subject-matter should be sent to the Director-General:

  • “(c) the Director-General may require an applicant to provide an environmental impact assessment report before the Minister grants approval.

  “(4) A person who possesses restricted fish must have at least 1 of the following approvals relating to the person who possesses the fish and to the kind of fish the person possesses:

  • “(a) an approval under subsection (2):

  • “(b) an approval under section 26ZM(2):

  • “(c) an approval under section 26ZM(3).

  “(5) Every person commits an offence, and is liable to a fine not exceeding $5,000, who, without reasonable cause, knowingly possesses restricted fish—

  • “(a) knowing that none of the approvals described in subsection (4) has been given; or

  • “(b) being reckless as to whether or not any of those approvals has been given.

  “(6) Section 43B does not apply to an offence under subsection (5).”