Aquatics
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Aquatic pests
Learn about noxious fish, non-native plants, and aquatic animals that threaten our environment. You need authorisation to keep or trade these species.
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Aquatic diseases
We protect the aquaculture industry through border controls, monitoring programs, and disease outbreak preparation.
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Moving aquatic animals
Translocating or importing aquatic animals is regulated to protect SA’s valuable fisheries, aquaculture sectors, and the environment.
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Dredging and biosecurity risks
Dredging activities present biosecurity risks associated with introducing and spreading aquatic pests and diseases.
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Biofouling and ballast water
Vessel owners can prevent the spread of pest species and disease by following our guidelines and maintaining clean equipment.
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Bait and berley
The SA fishing rules prevent aquatic diseases and pests from spreading. This includes restrictions on the bait and berley you can use.
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About aquatic pests
Aquatic environments must be managed to keep our tourism, seafood, and aquaculture industries safe. We are responsible for:
- monitoring for the entry and spread of new pest species
- responding to sightings of aquatic pests before they establish
- supporting control programs for pests that can’t be eradicated.
Early detection can identify pests and minimise impacts before they establish in South Australia. Many successful eradication and control programs are the result of community members reporting new pest species.
Video transcript
Video transcript
South Australia, 5,000 kilometres of some of the most beautiful coastline in the world.
There are more than 7,000 marine species that call our waters home, and many of these are not seen anywhere else in the world.
South Australia's aquaculture and fishing industries are internationally renowned and contribute significantly to our economy.
But our waters are at risk, and we need your help to protect them.
Marine pests and diseases threaten our industries and our unique biodiversity.
They threaten our tourism, tarnish our natural environment, and our way of life.
Good vessel hygiene is crucial to minimise the risks of marine pests and diseases spreading.
There's a few things you can do to ensure your boat's ready to return to the water.
Check the hull of your vessel and all marine equipment.
Remove any sand, seaweed, and debris, and put them in the bin.
Clean the hull of your vessel thoroughly with fresh water and keep an eye out for any damp or hard-to-access spaces.
Let your boat dry thoroughly before heading back out on the water.
Marine pests and diseases can also be spread through the use of unclean marine equipment, including wetsuits and fishing gear.
And remember, report anything unusual to Fishwatch.
We all have a role to play in protecting our waters.
Our best defence against marine pests starts with you.
