Good biosecurity is about awareness and action. Those working in our aquatic environments may be the first to notice an emerging disease, a fish-kill or a new pest species. Rapid reporting to DPI can help minimise the impacts of the establishment of a new aquatic pest or disease.
Under the NSW Biosecurity legislation (NSW Biosecurity Act 2015) people are expected to have a basic level of knowledge about the biosecurity risks they might encounter in their normal work and activities. Those working in aquatic industries have a responsibility, or general biosecurity duty, to consider how actions, or in some cases lack of action could have a negative impact on another person, business enterprise, animal or the environment. We must then take all reasonable and practical measures to prevent or minimise the potential impact.
How you can help
You can help minimise the potential impact on NSW waterways and oceans by:
- Keeping everything clean: Clean gear and vessels after use.
- Keeping your vessel free from biofouling. Look out for pests or growth. Remove anything you find on your gear and dispose of it on land in general waste if cleaning in-port.
- Use locally sourced bait to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases.
- Return bycatch to the sea as near as possible to the point of capture.
- Report anything unusual!
Useful links
Australian Government Marine Pest Biofouling Management Guidelines: