26 August 2024
Public consultation
We invite you to comment on the draft report by 5pm on Monday, 28 October 2024.
The draft report is available for review and comment on our Have Your Say website.
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.
The department has considered current scientific information, international standards developed by the World Organisation for Animal Health, advice from international scientific experts, relevant industry practices and operational practicalities when preparing this draft report.
The risk review identified 7 hazards of biosecurity concern for marine ornamental fish included on the department’s List of permitted live marine ornamental fish suitable for import. We undertook risk assessments for each hazard and proposed biosecurity measures to manage the identified risks.
The review proposes that live marine ornamental fish, including fish sourced from captive bred populations, can be permitted import into Australia, subject to a range of biosecurity measures. The risk review identified one hazard that requires biosecurity measures to manage the risks in imported marine ornamental fish to a level which achieves Australia’s appropriate level of protection.
The 60 day consultation period on this draft will commence on 26 August 2024 and will conclude at 5pm, 28 October 2024.
The department will carefully consider all submissions when preparing the final report.
For further inquiries, please contact abra@aff.gov.au.
Dr Rochelle Prattley
A/g Assistant Secretary
Animal Biosecurity
Email: animalbiosecurity@aff.gov.au