168Preferential rights

#### 168 Preferential rights 168 Preferential rights > > (1) If a lessee duly applies for a renewal of an aquaculture lease of an area, the lessee has a preferential right to a lease of the area, as against any applicant or other person. > > > (2) Even though a former lessee has not duly applied for a renewal of an aquaculture lease of an area, the former lessee has a preferential right to such a lease of the area, as against any applicant or other person, if that lessee applies for an aquaculture lease of the area within 30 days after the end of the expired lease. > > > (3) A preferential right does not arise under this section unless the Minister is satisfied the lessee or former lessee has substantially observed and performed the covenants and conditions of the lease and is satisfied the area should continue to be available for aquaculture. > > > (4) Nothing in this section requires the Minister to grant or renew an aquaculture lease.