September 2004
These guidelines have been written to assist you with completing the Application to amend the List of Specimens Suitable for Live Import (the live import list) to include Sessile Aquatic Invertebrates.
The purpose of the questions in the application form is to gather information on the species that is not generally addressed in the report. As you will see, the majority of the questions in the application form require a yes/no/don't know response.
Please submit a separate application form for every species you intend to add to the live import list. At the end of the application form are some suggested Terms of Reference. The Terms of Reference identify the issues that you must address in a report assessing the potential risk your proposed species may cause to the environment.
Applicant Details
The Department requires that you provide your name, postal and street addresses, and contact details. If you are applying on behalf of a business, you will also need to fill in your business details.
Section 1 Taxonomic information
- Identify which family the species belongs to.
- Identify which genus the species belongs to.
- Identify the species.
- Note what common names the species is known as (if any)
For example, Goose Barnacles (common names) are known scientifically as Lepas anatifera, where 'Lepas' is the genus and 'anatifera' is the species. Goose Barnacles belong to the family Balanidae.
- Is the species a genetically-modified organism (GMO)? Identify if the species has been genetically modified. If your species has been genetically modified or engineered, you will need to contact the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (www.ogtr.gov.au) before proceeding with this application.
- What is the proposed purpose of the import? Specify the reason you are planning to import the species. This may be for eligible non-commercial purposes such as research, education, exhibition, conservation breeding, household pet, personal item or travelling exhibition, or for commercial purposes.
Section 2 General information
- Has the species ever injured people? Identify whether there are any recorded instances of this species causing harm to people.
- Does the species have organs capable of inflicting harm? A positive response for this question would arise if the species has organs such as spines, claws or nematocysts that are capable of causing injuries to people that are more significant than minor cuts or bruises.
- Can the species release toxins that are harmful to people? Identify if this species produces toxins that may cause harm to humans. If yes, indicate if an antivenin is available.
- What is the maximum size and weight of this species? Provide information on the maximum size and weight of this species. Differentiate between males and females if the information is available.
- What countries does this species occur in naturally? What is the natural distribution of this species. Exclude any areas where the species has been introduced through human intervention.
- Has this species ever established a breeding population outside of its native range? Identify any areas where this species has established a breeding population outside of its natural range.
- Can the species live in modified habitats? Identify if this species can live in habitats that have been modified by humans, either directly or indirectly.
- Does the species encrust on the substrate or overgrow other species? Identify if this species, either as individuals or a colony, can overgrow other species or encrust large areas of the substrate.
- Is the species considered a pest anywhere in its natural or introduced range? A pest is a species of animals that causes widescale economic cost or amenity loss through its presence or activities. Identify whether this species is subject to active management to reduce population numbers.
- Does the species attack or prey on native fauna? Identify if the species has the capacity to attack or prey on the native Australian wildlife.
- Could wild populations of the species use the same resources as native Australian species? This question seeks to identify if the species could compete with native Australian species.
- Could the species hybridise with any Australian native species? Identify whether the species could negatively impact native species through hybridisation.
- Is the species already present in Australia? Identify if this species already occurs in Australia. If possible, also indicate when this species was first introduced.
- Have you attached draft Terms of Reference for the assessment of the potential impacts of importing the species on the Australian environment? Suggested draft Terms of Reference are at the back of the application form. You must attach draft Terms of Reference to the application form. Your application cannot be processed without these as it is a statutory requirement under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
- Declaration by the applicant. You must complete the Declaration by writing your name, signing and dating the form. Without these entries, the form is not complete and will be returned to you for completion.
This document is available in PDF and RTF format.
