Aquatic Biosecurity Policy

Aquatic Pests

An aquatic pest is a non-indigenous species whose introduction does, or is likely, to cause deleterious economic and/or environmental impacts. Aquatic pests are invasive species and may come from numerous taxonomic groups including molluscs, fish, crustaceans, echinoderms, sponges, algae and ascidians, amongst others.

Aquatic pests are managed under the Fisheries Act 1998. According to Fisheries Regulations, an aquatic pest is defined as "fish or aquatic life specified in Schedule 1". The recent Fisheries Amendment (Noxious Fish and Aquatic Pests) Regulations 2009 revised Schedule 1 to include species from a variety of taxonomic groups. The list was developed by the National Introduced Marine Pest Coordination Group (NIMPCG). All species on the list are considered to be recognised marine pests and meet the following criteria:

1. Demonstratable invasive history; AND
2. Demonstratable impact in native or invaded ranges on:
   • Economy;
   • Environment;
   • Human health; or
   • Amenity;          AND
3. Inferred as likely to have major impacts in Australia based on the available data and characteristics of Australian environments and marine communities; AND
4. One or more relevant translocation vectors must be operating.

Click here to view the complete list of aquatic pests listed under Schedule 1 of Fisheries Regulations.

In accordance with Fisheries Regulations (17) a person shall not move diseased or contaminated fish or aquatic life or an aquatic pest from one place, water catchment or storage unit to another place, catchment or storage unit.

For further information on Fisheries Legislation and Regulations, please visit the Legislation page.

Importation of ornamental fish

In order to import fish in to the NT, the species must:

1. Be indigenous to the Territory; OR
2. Be listed under section 303EB of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 of the Commonwealth, taken to be suitable for live import; AND
3. Not be listed on the noxious fish list.

If you wish to bring any live aquatic species into the NT, you must first apply to Fisheries for a permit. These applications can be made through the Fisheries Licensing Unit by calling +61 08 8999 2370.

For more information relating to aquarium species in the NT, please visit the ornamental fish page.

Noxious fish

Noxious fish are species that are considered to pose significant environmental and economic risks by threatening native species, ecosystems, human health, or industries that rely on our aquatic environment.

Noxious fish cannot be imported into the NT, and fines of up to $20,000 apply for the importation or possession of species on the noxious fish list.

A person who sees a fish or aquatic life that the person knows or suspects to be a noxious fish or aquatic pest must, as soon as practicable:

• Report the sighting to Fisheries; and
• Provide any information about the sighting that may be required.