Moving or importing aquatic animals
Movement (translocation) of aquatic animals is regulated to protect South Australia’s valuable fisheries, aquaculture sectors and the environment.
Aquaculture licence holders must be aware of their responsibilities when moving aquatic animals. Restrictions on the movement of abalone also exist for restaurants and fish processors.
Uncontrolled or illegal movements have resulted in:
- spread of disease and parasites
- introduced pest animals
- environmental damage.
Apply to import live aquatic animals
Approval must be given before aquaculture licence holders can import live aquatic animals into SA. You can either:
- apply online for aquaculture stock translocation
- or download the aquaculture stock translocation form ().
A minimum of 5 working days is required to assess applications.
Risks of moving non-native species
Movement of non-native species poses a high risk of introducing disease and parasites. Examples include:
- Anchor worm (Lernaea cyprinacea) – the introduction of European carp (Cyprinus carpio) not only caused major damage to the environment, but are believed to be the source of anchor worms, which fatally infect native fish.
- Epizootic haematopoietic necrosis (EHN) virus – the introduction of redfin perch (Perca fluviatilis) into Australian waterways is believed to be the source of EHN virus. Native species such as Murray cod, are highly susceptible to EHN virus, which may have contributed to their declined numbers.
Restrictions for aquaculture licence holders
Legislative restrictions are in place to govern high risk movements of some aquaculture species. These include moving livestock within the state and importing into South Australia.
Species with movement restrictions include, but are not limited to:
- abalone
- barramundi
- eel
- oysters
- salmonids
- exotic fish.
See the Prohibition of entry into and movement within South Australia of aquaculture stock notice () for more information.
Importing oysters/oyster spat from Tasmania
In February 2016, Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) was detected in Tasmania.
As a result, the state government implemented a ban on the movement of live Pacific oysters originating from Tasmania into South Australia. This ban also applies to oyster spat.
Non-living oysters, including those that are frozen, or half shelled, can be brought into SA.
Licence holders and fish processors should regularly check the PIRSA website for updates, including any extension on the end date. View the current movement restrictions notice in relation to Pacific oysters (PDF – Government Gazette No. 19, 19 March 2020, page 574).
Importing oysters from other states
Restrictions exist for importing oysters from other states, including NSW.
Aquaculture licence holders who wish to source live oysters from interstate, for the purpose of aquaculture, must apply to PIRSA for Ministerial approval.
Restrictions for non-aquaculture use – abalone
Legislative restrictions exist for importing live abalone from interstate, which are kept in a captive or domestic state. These protect SA abalone from diseases, particularly abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG).
Requirements include:
- abalone must be sourced from an accredited abalone farm
- abalone sourced from a state or territory that is not declared free of AVG (Victoria or Tasmania) must be accompanied by a signed abalone health declaration (), and kept for compliance purposes
- transporting, keeping and disposing of abalone must be done under these strict conditions:
- the abalone must be transported directly to South Australia or through the certified bio-secure area of a registered seafood processor
- the abalone must be transported in new or decontaminated, sealed containers
- all water, tanks and equipment that have come into contact with abalone, or abalone product, must be decontaminated before disposal or removal from the property
- unused abalone or abalone products must be disposed of in landfill
- no abalone may enter an aquaculture lease or South Australian waters.
Temporary restrictions effective 27 May 2021
Following the detection of AVG at Cape Nelson in Victoria, and in some New South Wales abalone processors, temporary restrictions have been introduced until further notice.
This affects fresh abalone products coming into South Australia from interstate, including recreationally caught abalone.
Restrictions and requirements are outlined in the prohibition of entry into South Australia of live abalone notice – Government Gazette No. 37, 27 May 2021, p. 1506 (PDF).
More information
Read more about how you can protect aquatic environments from disease – Agriculture and Water Resources website.
