Good faith belief in a fishing license exempts a fisherman from criminal liability for illegal fishing.

The court of appeal acquitted a fisherman who harvested state waters without a license, relying on good faith belief in the validity of his permit. Although the defendant lacked the required authorization per Ministry guidelines, the court found no criminal intent due to his reasonable reliance on the issued document. Consequently, the prosecution failed to prove the necessary mens rea for the offense under the Criminal Code.