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Sharks and rays

Australia is home to about 400 shark and ray species out of the 1,100 or so species found worldwide. Around 160 of these species are believed to be only found in Australian waters.

Australia has joined with other states in committing to ensure the conservation and management of sharks and their long-term sustainable use. These commitments are summarised in the International Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks. As part of this agreement, Australia has made voluntary commitments under its National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks.

Offshore Petroleum and Fisheries

Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006

The National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) is the assessor for offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas activities in Commonwealth waters. This decision took effect on 28 February 2014 following a strategic assessment of NOPSEMA’s environmental authorisation process under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

Biosecurity cost recovery implementation statements

In 2025, the department will apply indexation to biosecurity and imported food regulatory charges. All legislated regulatory charges that are subject to an indexation provision will increase by 2.4% on 1 July 2025.

Indexation does not require changes to legislation, new rates for 2025-26 are the calculated replacement amounts described in the 2025-26 Biosecurity Cost Recovery Implementation statement (CRIS) and pricing tables.

Charging guidelines

The Departmental Charging Guidelines (the guidelines) has historically provided guidance on charging for biosecurity, imported foods and agricultural export regulatory activities.

The department is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the charging guidelines. For information on current pricing for regulatory charges please see information below.

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