Stop the spread of aquatic pests

Recreational boat users and fishers

  • Prevent unwanted hitchhikers – Boats have many niche areas where marine pests can accumulate. Keep your moored boat free of fouling by applying a suitable antifouling paint, and cleaning and renewing it when persistent fouling occurs.. Check, clean and dry trailer boats and gear (including anchors, ropes and chains) before you move between waterways.
  • Dispose of any debris found on fishing and boating gear away from the waterway.
  • Avoid recognised infestation areas. Anchors, propellers and other boating and fishing gear can pick up pests or weed fragments and spread them to new areas.

Ornamental fish enthusiasts

  • Don’t dump that fish!
  • Keeping fish is fun, but it is important to make sure that living things in your aquarium or home pond are kept away from our oceans and waterways.
  • Take care when cleaning aquaria to prevent water, aquarium fish, aquarium plants, ‘live rock’  or other waste materials ending up in your local waterways (including a drain, creek or ocean).
  • Give unwanted aquarium fish or plants to friends or an aquarium shop, or dispose of them humanely by putting them to sleep in an ice-slurry then freezing them.

Oyster and marine fish farmers

  • Prevent accidental escapes – comply with aquaculture permit conditions designed to prevent the escape of fish (e.g. screened water outlets).
  • Culture only those species listed on your aquaculture permit - don’t experiment with non-native species.

Everybody

Further reading and information