In NSW, the responsibility for aquatic biodiversity is divided between NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC).

NSW DPI is responsible for all species of fish and marine vegetation. Fish include sharks and rays, aquatic invertebrate animals, such as worms, snails, mussels, corals, sponges, sea urchins, barnacles, crabs, crayfish, aquatic insects and prawns. Marine vegetation includes all seaweeds, seagrasses and marine algae.

Other types of animals, including whales, dolphins, seals and waterbirds, and plants, including freshwater plants, are the responsibility of DECC. The responsibility for threatened species and their management is shared between DPI and DECC.