Importation of fish* or fish products into Tasmania is split into two categories:
Live Fish Imports
and
Dead Fish Imports
*The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania defines all animals that reside in aquatic environments as fish. The term “fish" refers to all aquatic animals (or gametes) and incorporates species from a range of animal groups (including but not restricted to finfish, crustaceans, molluscs, and echinoderms). The definition includes freshwater, estuarine and marine species from a wide range of both vertebrate and invertebrate phyla, but specifically excludes all mammals, birds, insects, reptiles and amphibians. The definition includes all life cycle stages including ova, eggs, embryos and sperm of aquatic species. Fish species also includes populations residing on and in 'live rock' or 'live sand' imported for the purposes of aquarium conditioning, in addition to hermit crabs and brine shrimps.
General Information about Fish Imports:
Although the restrictions listed on the NRE Tas website are administered under the Animal Health Act 1995, and thus designed primarily to reduce disease risk, import requirements must also accommodate legislation relating to inland fisheries, natural resource protection and control of potential pest species.
If there is no General Authority listed on the NRE Tas website describing import conditions for a specific animal or product then a Special Authority (permit) will be required before it can legally be imported. Applications for special authorities should be directed to the NRE Tas Animal Biosecurity and Welfare Branch by email to: AnimalDisease.Enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au
When applying for a special authority, use the form Application For or Renewal of a Special Authority. Applications may take up to 10 working days for assessment. Please note that application is no guarantee that a permit will be provided, each application is assessed on an individual basis.
Application for special authority to import animals, animal material, or restricted animal material (PDF 211Kb)
Persons importing fish or fish products into Tasmania should;
- Clearly label the container identifying the consignment as live fish or as fish product, and include both the common and scientific names of those species present.
- Where a permit or declaration is required, a copy of that document should also be attached to the outside of the container.
- Notify Biosecurity Tasmania of any anticipated delivery; including the expected date and point of entry into Tasmania. Notifications should be emailed to: noi.biosecurity@nre.tas.gov.au
By ensuring the above three points are adhered to, you will have the best chance of the shipment passing inspection quickly and without hold-up, and thus maintaining best possible fish condition.