81Noxious aquatic species permits

81 Noxious aquatic species permits S. 81(1) amended by No. 68/2016 s. 92(1). (1) The Victorian Fisheries Authority may issue a noxious aquatic species permit to a person authorising the person to do anything that is prohibited by section 76. S. 81(2) amended by No. 68/2016 s. 92(2). (2) In considering whether to issue a permit, the Victorian Fisheries Authority must have regard to the welfare of any relevant fishery or aquatic ecosystem. S. 81(3) amended by No. 68/2016 s. 92(3)(a). (3) The Victorian Fisheries Authority— S. 81(3)(a) amended by No. 68/2016 s. 92(3)(b). (a) must not issue a permit if the Victorian Fisheries Authority considers that— (i) the applicant does not satisfy the relevant eligibility criteria; or (ii) the issue of the permit would be inconsistent with the relevant management plan or if there is no relevant management plan, would be harmful to the welfare of any relevant fishery or aquatic ecosystem; (iii) the permit is sought for a purpose other than a scientific, research, fisheries management, aquaculture or other purpose specified by the regulations; (b) may refuse to issue a permit if the applicant has been convicted of an offence under this Act, the **Fisheries Act 1968**, the **Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994**, the **Vermin and Noxious Weeds Act 1958**, the **Wildlife Act 1975** or the **Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988** or a law of the Commonwealth or of another State or of a Territory that corresponds to any of those Acts. (4) If a person kept a noxious aquatic species immediately before the commencement of this section, the person may continue to keep it— (a) if the person does not apply for a permit within 90 days after that commencement, until the end of that period of 90 days; or (b) if the person applies for that permit during that period, until the application is determined. (5) A permit— S. 81(5)(a) amended by No. 68/2016 s. 92(4). (a) unless revoked, continues in force for a period not exceeding 3 years as is specified in the permit by the Victorian Fisheries Authority; and (b) applies to the category of noxious aquatic species specified in the permit; and (c) is not transferable. S. 81(6) amended by No. 68/2016 s. 92(4). (6) A permit is not renewable, but the Victorian Fisheries Authority may issue another permit to a person whose permit is about to expire or who has previously held a permit.