Victoria Cracks Down Further On Aquatic Pests

To protect Victoria's aquatic environment and industries, Agriculture Victoria has strengthened aquatic pest rules by declaring 14 new high‑risk species.

The declaration of these additional noxious aquatic species means people must not bring, keep, sell, transport or release these live species in Victoria's protected waters.

Biosecurity Victoria Executive Director, Charlotte Austin said Victoria's rivers, lakes and coasts face increasing threats from harmful pests and invasives that do not belong here.

'These pests can damage habitats, harm native wildlife, and hurt local industries by spreading quickly and are almost impossible to remove once they take hold.

'They can hitch a ride on boat hulls, fishing gear, or even through the aquarium trade and if they spread, they cost millions of dollars to manage and can destroy our waterways,' said Ms Austin.

There are practical ways for everyone, particularly boat owners and recreational water users, to protect our waterways.

'Protecting our waters starts with all of us and it is as simple as cleaning and drying your gear and boats before moving to another waterway.

'Check for hitchhikers like mussels or algae on boat hulls and trailers and never release aquarium fish, plants or water into rivers, lakes, or the ocean.

'Do not use declared noxious aquatic species as bait. Rather, use local bait only and don't bring live bait from other areas' said Ms Austin.

Any unusual, strange or exotic aquatic species, found or sighted in Victoria, should be reported to Agriculture Victoria. Report a marine pest sighting.

The newly declared Noxious Aquatic Species are: