Section 37 Permits

Note: All applications must be accompanied by an environmental assessment proforma, see below for details (does not apply to marine vegetation collection for commercial purpose permits). 

What is a Section 37 Permit?

A Section 37 permit is required for any activity that involves taking or possessing fish or marine vegetation that would otherwise be unlawful under the Fisheries Management Act 1994. This includes activities such as:

  • Science or Research Collection
  • Aquarium Collection
  • Possessing Pacific Oysters
  • Collecting Marine Vegetation for Commercial Purposes
  • Any other collecting activities that are unlawful under the Fisheries Management Act 1994

Permits are also required for certain activities in Marine Parks. If unsure whether a permit is required for a proposed activity in a marine park please contact the Marine Park Authority on 1300 361 967.

As part of issuing permits, I&I NSW has a statutory responsibility under Section 111 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979to assess the environmental impacts of activities authorised by permits. To assess these impacts, I&I NSW requires the applicant for the permit to prepare an environmental assessment. See below for more details.

Note: This section does not cover permits for Aquaculture or CommercialActivities.

How to apply for a Section 37 Permit

To apply for a permit, please complete an application form below. This must be completed in full and accompanied by:

  • an environmental assessment (REF Proforma)
  • the relevant permit application fee (see the current Fee Schedule)

Application forms

Environmental Assessments

I&I NSW has a statutory responsibility under Section 111 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979to assess the environmental impacts of activities authorised by permits. To assess the likely impacts of a fishing related activity I&I NSW requires a Review of Environmental Factors (“REF”) to be prepared.

The REF is prepared by the permit applicant and submitted to I&I NSW for review. The REF will be used by I&I NSW to make an assessment of the likely environmental impacts of the activity. A REF should be sufficiently detailed to enable I&I NSW to examine and take into account to the fullest possible extent all matters affecting or likely to affect the environment by reason of the proposed activity.

Please complete the REF proforma below and submit with your application. The REF guidelines provide further information and will assist you in completing the REF.

If you need further information on Section 37 permits or an Environmental Assessment, please contact David Chalmers on (02) 8437 4975.