02 June 2026
We have released the revised draft report Review of live marine ornamental fish import policy for public consultation.
We invite you to comment on the draft report by 5 pm (AEST) 03 August 2026.
The Review of live marine ornamental fish import policy was initiated in response to new scientific knowledge and trade enquiries to include import of marine ornamental fish from captive bred populations.
The review considers current scientific information, international standards from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), advice from international scientific experts, relevant industry practices and operational practicalities. Stakeholder feedback from the first draft report Animal Biosecurity Advice 2024-A10 was considered when preparing the revised draft report.
The review assessed the biosecurity risks of importing both wild-caught and captive bred live marine ornamental fish from all countries. We have made important changes to reflect stakeholder feedback on the draft report. To ensure the final report is fit for purpose and effectively identifies and manages associated biosecurity risks we are seeking your comment on this revised draft report.
Seven hazards of biosecurity concern were identified for marine ornamental fish included on the department’s List of permitted live marine ornamental fish.
The revised draft report proposes that:
- Live marine ornamental fish sourced from both wild-caught and captive bred populations be permitted import into Australia, subject to a range of biosecurity measures.
- Four genera on the department’s List of permitted live marine ornamental fish must be subject to Megalocytivirus pagrus1 specific biosecurity measures:
- Chaetodermis sp. (leatherjacket)
- Platax spp. (batfish)
- Pomacentrus spp. (damselfish)
- Pterapogon sp. (banggai cardinalfish).
- Import conditions for M. pagrus1 susceptible species will be consistent with those in place for freshwater ornamental fish. Fish must be either:
- sourced from a country, zone or compartment free of M. pagrus1; or
- batch tested, with negative results, for M. pagrus1.
The 60-day consultation period will conclude at 5pm (AEST) 03 August 2026.
We will carefully consider all comments when preparing the final report. All feedback should be submitted via our Have Your Say page.
More information about this risk analysis is available on our website.
To receive information and updates on biosecurity risk analyses, subscribe to Biosecurity Risk Analysis Animal at subscribe.agriculture.gov.au/subscribe. Subscribers will receive biosecurity advice notices and other notifications about animal biosecurity policy.
Dr Rochelle Prattley
A/g Assistant Secretary, Animal Biosecurity Branch
Email: abra@aff.gov.au