54Certificate of preference

### 54 Certificate of preference > > (1)  The following persons may apply to the Minister for a certificate of preference to participate in a process for the allocation of a lease in respect of a marine farming zone: > > > > > > (a) a person who holds or has held a permit for scientific research under the [Living Marine Resources Management Act 1995](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1995-025) in respect of an area included in the marine farming zone; > > > > > > > (b) a person who has prepared a draft plan under [Part 3](#HP3@EN) . > > > (2)  An application is to – > > > > > > (a) be made in writing in an approved form; and > > > > > > > (b) contain any detail the Minister requires; and > > > > > > > (c) be accompanied by the prescribed fee; and > > > > > > > (d) be lodged with the Minister. > > > (3)  Subject to [subsection (4)](#GS54@Gs4@EN) , the Minister may – > > > > > > (a) grant the application; or > > > > > > > (b) refuse to grant the application. > > > (4)  The Minister must not grant an application to a person referred to in [subsection (1)](#GS54@Gs1@EN) [(a)](#GS54@Gs1@Hpa@EN) unless the person has made a significant contribution in the area of research of Tasmanian marine farming which has a direct relevance to the activities of the marine farming zone. > > > (5)  If the Minister grants an application, the Minister is to issue a certificate of preference in an approved form. > > > (6)  A certificate of preference entitles the holder to participate in one process for the allocation of a lease.