Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents Marine Protected Area Regulations

3 (1) No person contravenes section 2 if

• (a) the disturbance, damage, destruction or removal is for scientific research for the conservation, protection and understanding of the Area;

• (b) subject to subsection (3), a research plan described in subsection (2) is submitted to the Minister at least 90 days before the start of the scientific research in the Area; and

• (c) all licences, authorizations or consents required under the Oceans Act, the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act, the Coasting Trade Act or the Fisheries Act in respect of the scientific research have been obtained.

(2) A research plan shall include the following information:

• (a) the name, nationality, overall length, maximum draught, net tonnage, propulsion type, call sign, registration number and port number of each ship to be involved in the scientific research in the Area, and the name of the captain of each ship;

• (b) the names and positions of the persons who are responsible for the development of the scientific research, and the scientific research personnel who will be on board each ship;

• (c) the date on which the scientific research in the Area is to start, and the itinerary for each ship while it is involved in the research; and

• (d) a summary of the scientific research to be conducted in the Area, together with a detailed map of the research area, which summary shall specify

  • (i) the data to be collected and sampling protocols to be used,

  • (ii) the other techniques, if any, to be used, such as those involving explosives, radioactive labelling or remotely operated vehicles,

  • (iii) the equipment to be moored and the method of mooring, and

  • (iv) the substances, if any, that are intended to be discharged.

(3) A research plan is not required to be submitted under paragraph (1)(b) if the information required under subsection (2) has previously been submitted in writing to obtain a consent under the Coasting Trade Act to conduct the scientific research.

(4) A person who submits a research plan shall immediately notify the Minister in writing of any subsequent changes to the plan.