The Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs has, in terms of section 97(1) (g), (h) and (i) of the NEM:BA amended the Threatened or Protected Species Regulations of 2007 in respect of issuing authorities. Regulations 3(2) and 3(3) of the Regulations pertaining to issuing authorities have been repealed and regulation 6 of the Regulations has been amended such that the issuing authority will be the the organ of state as specified in section 87A of the Act, unless the Minister directs otherwise.