The deliberate or accidental movement of live fish into or within an area where they are not native is called ‘translocation’. It can potentially result in a reduction of the area’s biodiversity, lowering of habitat quality and the spread of disease.
Translocations happen for a number of reasons:
Accidental movement of aquatic animals or plants within and into an area through the transportation of food-stuffs and other products (for example, the sale of diseased bait may result in the introduction of a pathogen into an aquatic ecosystem).
The supply/import of aquatic organisms for:
- the aquarium trade
- aquaculture
- food markets
- recreational and/or commercial fisheries.
As the State’s lead agency for aquatic biosecurity, we oversee the management of risks associated with translocation.
Industry and the community also have their part to play in helping to reduce the risks presented by translocation.
If you plan to move live fish into and within WA you will need to apply for a translocation approval or authority.