Offences under ss 13AB(1A) and 13B(5) of the Fisheries Act 1952 are offences of strict liability, not requiring proof of mens rea but permitting the defence of honest and reasonable mistake. Satellite navigator readings are not yet within the class of 'notorious' scientific instruments attracting a presumption of accuracy, but vessel position may be proved by the totality of navigational evidence including expert navigator testimony, cross-checking against celestial observations and radar fixes, and the master's own plotting. The 200 nautical mile Australian Fishing Zone is within Commonwealth constitutional power under s 51(x) and/or s 51(xxix).
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