12Open season and closure of mackerel fishery

12 Open season and closure of mackerel fishery

(1)  Unless otherwise determined under subrule (2) , the open season for the mackerel fishery for 2019 and each subsequent year is the period commencing on 1 May in the relevant year and ending on 30 April in the following year.

(2)  The Minister, by notice published in the Gazette, or on a website of the Department, or in a newspaper circulating in the State, may determine the dates of the closed season for all or part of the mackerel fishery in respect of one or more of the following:

(a) a type of mackerel fishing licence;

(b) an area of State waters;

(c) a species of mackerel;

(d) a specific activity.

(3)  The open season for the mackerel fishery that commenced on 1 July 2018 under the Fisheries (Mackerel) Rules 2009 continues, but ends on 30 April 2019.

(4)  The holder of a mackerel fishing licence must not take mackerel –

(a) in contravention of a closed season determined by the Minister under subrule (2) ; or

(b) while the fishery is closed under subrule (2) .

Penalty:  Grade 3 penalty.