258Minister may issue permits

258  Minister may issue permits  (1) Subject to subsection (3), the Minister may, on application by a person under section 257, issue a permit to the person.  (2) A permit authorises its holder to take the actions specified in the permit without breaching section 254, 254A, 254B, 254C, 254D or 254E.  (a) the specified action will significantly contribute to the conservation of the listed marine species concerned or other listed marine species; or  (b) the impact of the specified action on a member of the listed marine species concerned is incidental to, and not the purpose of, the taking of the action and:  (i) the taking of the action will not adversely affect the conservation status of that species or a population of that species; and  (ii) the taking of the action is not inconsistent with a wildlife conservation plan for that species that is in force; and  (iii) the holder of the permit will take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of the action on that species; or  (c) the specified action is of particular significance to indigenous tradition and will not adversely affect the conservation status of the listed marine species concerned; or  (d) the specified action is necessary in order to control pathogens and is conducted in a way that will, so far as is practicable, keep to a minimum any impact on the listed marine species concerned.  (4) In making a decision on the application, the Minister must consider the comments (if any) received:  (a) in response to the invitation under subsection 257(3) for anyone to give the Minister comments on whether the permit should be issued; and