Aquatic pests have the potential to destroy marine and freshwater environments and to decimate recreational and commercial fisheries and other aquatic industries.
Be aware of the threats your boating, fishing and diving gear poses as a carrier of pests between waterways. By thoroughly cleaning surfaces and removing any water
or organic material that may harbour threats you can prevent the spread
of many aquatic diseases and marine pests.
Recreational and commercial fishing activities in freshwater and saltwater environments also have the potential to introduce and spread diseases. To protect the environment and our fisheries, it is vital that fishermen follow some basic rules when using bait and/or berley to attract fish:
- If you catch your own bait, use it only in the water body it came from.
- Never release live bait into a water body other than the one it was caught in.
- Never use seafood or other fish products intended for human consumption as bait or berley.
- Only buy products to use as bait or berley that are being sold as bait or berley. For example, from retail outlets such as fishing stores.
- If you are disposing of waste bait ensure it goes to a municipal landfill – NOT in or around Tasmanian waterways!
Entry requirements may be applied to imported dead bait; importing live bait into Tasmania is prohibited in most cases – using locally sourced bait and berley reduces or eliminates the risk of disease introduction.
Other restrictions on the use of bait in Tasmania also apply under legislation administered by the Inland Fisheries Service and Water & Marine Resources.
Tasmanian Field Hygiene Manual
This manual provides information on how to prevent the spread of freshwater pests and pathogens in Tasmanian waterways, wetlands, swamps and boggy areas. It is intended primarily for people who work in these areas, but also will help recreational visitors to understand the risks and act accordingly.