Surveillance program for noxious fish

A surveillance program for noxious fish has been authorised under the Biosecurity Act 2014.

Biosecurity matter

The biosecurity matter to which the program relates are the noxious fish listed as restricted matter in Schedule 2 Part 1 of the Biosecurity Act 2014 and noxious fish listed as prohibited matter in Schedule 1 Part 6 of the Biosecurity Act 2014 and non-native invasive ornamental fish listed in Schedule 5 of the Biosecurity Regulation 2016.

The program also relates to other aquatic biosecurity matter, which are any potentially invasive or high-risk vertebrate and invertebrate species (in addition to fish) that are in circulation in the Australian ornamental aquarium trade. These species may be translocated from aquaria into Queensland’s natural waterways, resulting in significant impacts to industry and environment.

Purpose and scope

The purpose of the program is:

• determine the presence or absence of noxious fish and other aquatic biosecurity matter in the State of Queensland;
• determine the extent of the presence of noxious fish and other aquatic biosecurity matter in the State of Queensland;
• monitor the effects of measures taken previously in response to the biosecurity risk posed by noxious fish and other aquatic biosecurity matter.

Commencement and duration

• Start: 23 August 2022
• End: 30 June 2023

Access to biosecurity program

A copy of the authorisation document of the surveillance program for Noxious Fish is available (PDF, 304.8KB) for inspection at all Department of Agriculture and Fisheries offices.

A free copy can be provided on request by contacting our Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23.