(1)  The Minister may –

(a) grant an application for a permit; or

(b) refuse to grant the application.

(2)  Before granting an application for a permit, the Minister is to consult with the relevant fishing body if –

(a) the Minister considers that granting the application is likely to have a significant effect on the fishing body; or

(b) the Minister intends to grant the application for any of the purposes specified in section 12(1)(b) , (c) , (d) , (f) or (j) .

(3)  However, subsection (2) does not apply to a permit for the purpose specified in section 12(1)(k) .