The Fisheries Management Act 1994 and associated regulations provide a number of controls to help I&I NSW manage aquatic pests and diseases, including:

Noxious species

A number of species have been declared as noxious fish or noxious marine vegetation in NSW. There are 3 classes of noxious fish or marine vegetation, and different rules apply to each. Although some of these species can still legally be kept in NSW, I&I NSW discourages their use wherever possible.

• Currently listed noxious fish and marine vegetation

In addition to the currently listed noxious fish and marine vegetation, there are restricted species which cannot be imported live into NSW without a specific permit.

Importation of live fish

I&I NSW maintains a list of fish species which cannot be imported live into NSW without a specific permit. These are species which have been identified as potentially posing a significant threat to native wildlife, ecosystems, human health or the State's aquaculture industries.

• More information on importation of live fish – including the current list of species which cannot be imported live into NSW without a specific permit and how to apply for a permit.

Fishing closures

I&I NSW implements fishing closures for many different reasons, including protection of fish stocks or vulnerable habitats. Fishing closures can also be used to help limit the spread of pests, weeds and diseases.

At present fishing closures are in place in various areas affected by the invasive marine weed Caulerpa taxifolia. There are also a number of fishing closures in place for declared diseases (see below).

• Fishing closures and restrictions
• More information on declared diseases and quarantine orders/fishing closures

Declared diseases

A list of ‘declared diseases’ is contained in Schedule 6B of the Fisheries Management Act 1994. I&I NSW must be notified if a declared disease is suspected in any fish, captive or wild, in NSW. There are also offences for transmitting these diseases to live organisms, selling infected animals or vegetation or depositing infected animals or vegetation in any water.

Quarantine areas

Where a declared disease occurs or is suspected, the Minister can declare a quarantine area. Such orders can have specific provisions, such as prohibiting collection of fish or marine vegetation, or requiring an aquaculture permit holder to take certain actions.