Wildlife trade and conservation
The ornamental fish industry in Australia — which includes traders, fish breeders, retail outlets and the hobby industry — is estimated to be worth $350 million a year.
Aquarium fish make great pets, but if they are released into the wild they can pose a serious threat to Australia's aquatic biodiversity.
The import of live animals (including ornamental fish) into Australia is controlled by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), administered by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA). These laws apply to all importers of live exotic animals.
Only fish listed on the List of Specimens taken to be Suitable for Live import (the live import list) can be imported into Australia. You should be aware that species not listed on the live import list are prohibited imports. People importing and keeping them may need to demonstrate lawful import.
DEWHA also manages applications to amend the live import list to include animals.
Every import into Australia has the potential to introduce new pests and diseases. To minimise this risk, the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) has established a range of quarantine procedures under the Quarantine Act 1908. Before considering the import of any species, you will need to contact AQIS to determine what permits you will be required to obtain. Information on the AQIS procedures and requirements for the live import of ornamental fish can be found on their website.
Ornamental fish and aquarium plants can be dumped or released, often making their way into our waterways. This has resulted in a number of exotic fish species not on the live import list, establishing a presence in Australia and seriously affecting the biodiversity of our freshwater systems.
In 2006 the national strategy, A Strategic Approach to the Management of Ornamental Fish in Australia , was approved by the Australian and state and territory governments through the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council (NRMMC).
The national strategy contains a proposed national noxious ornamental aquarium fish species list that the states and territories have agreed to control through legislation and a 'grey' list of species that require further review. The states and territories have either formalised or are in the process of formalising the noxious species list in their legislation.
Information on the national strategy can be found at: