We have prepared a draft report for the Review of live marine ornamental fish import policy. The draft report has now been published for public consultation.
Steps to complete this risk analysis
When we do a risk analysis, we:
- review the science on pathogenic agents associated with species listed on the department’s List of permitted live marine ornamental fish suitable for import.
- assess and analyse biosecurity risks
- develop proposed biosecurity measures
- consult stakeholders on the draft report and then review comments
- publish a final report
- develop import conditions
- publish import conditions on BICON.
Make a submission
We have now released the draft report for public comment.
You are invited to:
- read the draft report
- submit your feedback.
This consultation will be open for 60 calendar days. Submissions close at 5pm on Monday, 28 October 2024.
We will review your comments when we prepare the final report.
About this review
This risk review was initiated in response to trade enquiries, new scientific knowledge, and the impacts of the current policy (which only permits import of marine fish harvested from the wild) on the environment, especially tropical reefs.
We have assessed the biosecurity risks of importing live marine ornamental fish from all countries. Measures to manage the identified risks have been developed, and a draft report for stakeholder comment has been released.
This review was initiated as a non-regulated risk analysis of existing policy. Pending the outcomes of this review, current import conditions for ornamental fish remain in place. During this time, the relevant import conditions may be amended if the biosecurity risks change.
Learn more about why we carry out risk analyses and our international obligations.
About the draft report
This policy review considers the biosecurity risks for Australia resulting from the import of live marine ornamental fish. It considers current scientific information, international standards developed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), advice from international scientific experts, and relevant operational practicalities.
The draft report details:
- Disease agents of biosecurity concern for marine ornamental fish included on the department’s ‘List of permitted live marine ornamental fish suitable for import’.
- Risk assessments for the identified disease agents of biosecurity concern.
- Proposed biosecurity measures.
The draft report proposes that:
- Live marine ornamental fish, including those sourced from captive bred populations, be permitted import into Australia, if compliant with appropriate biosecurity measures.
- Biosecurity measures are applied to marine ornamental fish species which are recognised by the WOAH as being susceptible to megalocytiviruses.
The proposed import conditions for megalocytiviruses susceptible marine ornamental fish species include:
- Conditions which are consistent with the measures recommended in the Importation of freshwater ornamental fish: review of biosecurity risks associated with gourami iridovirus and related viruses, released in 2014 (Gourami iridovirus review), that is:
- sourcing from megalocytivirus-free populations, or
- pre-export batch testing for megalocytiviruses.
- The permitted marine ornamental species for which these measures would apply are:
- batfish (Platax spp.)
- Banggai cardinal fish (Pterapogon spp.).
Current measures for wild-caught marine ornamental fish can be found on the department’s Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON).
Next steps
Our public consultation will close at 5pm (AEDT) on Monday, 28 October 2024.
After this we will:
- consider all feedback
- develop a final report.
We will then release the final report and notify registered stakeholders of that release by email.
Review Liaison Officer
The Aquatic Biosecurity Risk Assessment unit is the first point of contact to discuss the review. The unit will send periodic updates and relevant information during the review. Contact the review liaison officer at abra@aff.gov.au.