Over 250 introduced marine plants and animals have hitch-hiked to Australian waters on vessels of all types from yachts to commercial ships. Getting rid of them once they are in is virtually impossible.
Prevent the spread!
CHECK,
CLEAN,
DRAIN AND
DRY all boating, fishing and diving gear before coming to Tasmania, and after every trip in Tasmanian waters.
Bringing boating, fishing, diving gear to Tasmania?
Many people bring vessels (such as boats, canoes, kayaks and jetskis) and/or fishing equipment (including lifejackets, fishing rods, waders, nets, tackle boxes etc) into Tasmania to undertake a range of recreational activities.
- Whether entering by air or by the Spirit of Tasmania, you are required to declare all vessels and fishing equipment for inspection by a Biosecurity Officer. Any potentially contaminated gear will be confiscated and treated by Biosecurity staff at your expense.
Following these steps will mean that you will not be responsible for introducing aquatic pests and diseases into Tasmania's marine and freshwater environments.
Cleaning of vessels
Prior to entry into Tasmania, or immediately after every trip when in Tasmanian waters, please
CHECK, CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY your vessel.
Recommendations for trailer vessels (includes canoes, kayaks & jetskis)
Target the areas shown in the diagram.
Diagram of a boat on a trailer showing areas that need to be targeted for cleaning to stop marine pests: anchor well and anchor' deck fittings, hull surface, water inlet/outlets, sonar tubes/echo sounder booths and transducers, burley bucket, propeller, trailer
- Remember to
CHECK your vessel and remove any weeds, marine organisms or sediment from your boat, trailer and gear and place in the bin NOT back in the water.
- After each trip
CLEAN, DRAIN & DRY your boat, trailer and gear (including rope, anchor etc) with fresh water. Tiny eggs & plant spores can survive in a damp area for months.
In addition use a mild detergent, disinfectant or soap, wash your vessel away from shore where it does not drain into the marine environment.
Recommendations for non-trailer vessels
It is crucial to make sure your boat is clean before you move it. Follow these four steps and target the areas shown in the diagram.
Diagram of a moored boat showing areas to be tageted for cleaning to avoid tje spread marine pests: anchor well and anchor, deck fittings, colling pipes, sewage and bilge tanks, keel propeller and shaft, rudder and marlin board, water inlets/outlets.
Slip and clean your boat regularly, at least every year and anytime there is a build up of fouling.
Select an antifouling paint suited to your boat, and apply it correctly following the manufacturers advice. Renew it when persistent fouling occurs.
Treat internal seawater systems regularly. Flush with fresh water or an approved treatment.
Dispose of sewage and bilge water at an approved pump out facility. Waste could contain marine pests, eggs or larvae.
In-water Biofouling Cleaning for Vessels Arriving from Interstate or Overseas
Tasmania now has formal requirements and processes for interstate and overseas vessels wanting to undertake any vessel in-water cleaning activities. The 'In-water Biofouling Cleaning Policy for Vessels arriving from Interstate or Overseas', released in November 2024, provides a robust risk management framework to assess in-water cleaning requests for Tasmanian waters.
The policy caters only to partial in-water cleaning, including hull grooming (microfouling only), propeller and niche area cleaning, and only where the biosecurity and chemical contamination risk is deemed acceptable. The risk assessment looks at the level of fouling, the invasive marine species (IMS) identified and their likely origin, as well as the suitability and efficacy of the proposed capture method.
The policy (below) outlines the process of applying for partial in-water vessel cleaning and details the actions required by vessel operators to meet the requirements.
In-water Biofouling Cleaning Policy for Vessels arriving from Interstate or Overseas (PDF 597Kb)
We have also developed an information sheet to answer common questions and provide a broad understanding of the policy.
Vessel In-water Biofouling Cleaning Factsheet (PDF 194Kb)
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Cleaning of fishing equipment
Fishing equipment includes any gear likely to get wet when undertaking fishing (such as fishing rods, waders, tackle boxes, hiking boots etc.). Prior to entry into Tasmania please
CHECK, CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY your fishing equipment.
CHECK all equipment and remove any weeds, marine organisms or sediment, and place in the bin NOT back in the water.
CLEAN all equipment in freshwater. DRAIN water from any equipment as required and leave to
DRY in direct sunlight (note that in some situations it may take several days to dry completely).
In addition use a mild detergent, disinfectant or soap, and wash equipment away from shore where it does not drain into the marine environment.
Fishing gear Note: it is an offence to bring live bait into Tasmania
Illustrations on this page by Brett Littleton