(1)   The long term sustainability of the snapper
and grouper fisheries needs to be addressed:

(2)   Fishing for snapper or grouper is limited to vessels:

(a) holding a current licence to fish for snapper and grouper with droplines as at the date of this Order; or

(b) involved in the process of renewal of existing licences as at the date of this Order; or

(c) who lodged an application for a new licence to fish for snapper and grouper before this Notice comes into force; or

(d)  entered on the Cyclone Waka Repair Register which apply for such licences to fish for snapper and grouper.

(3)  Vessels referred to in clause (2) above shall:

(a) not be more than 15 metres in length overall (LOA); and

(b)fish from seamounts in depth deeper than 50 metres; and

(c) use the traditional Samoan style hand - reels (drop line) to target, non-target, associated or dependent species taken in the course of fishing. 

(4)  This Notice shall remain in effect until further Notice by the Minister.

Therefore, as from 7 September 2007, all applications for snapper fishing licence will be determined in accordance with this Notice.