Report an aquatic pest or disease

• location (GPS coordinates, address or nearest landmarks)
• date and time
• size
• colour
• water depth where found
• environment (such as beach, sand, rock pools, in weed, on water, river, attached to structure) 

• photograph it as soon as possible, before preserving or refrigeration 
• photograph the entire sample undisturbed and include surroundings 
• photograph the sample close up; use an object for scale – ruler, coin, thumb 
• include any characteristic marks or colours 
• use a neutral non-reflective background 
• check that photos are in focus and well-lit 

In most circumstances it is better to report the detection of a suspected aquatic pest by record or photograph, before attempting to collect it.

• If you have caught a suspected aquatic pest (such as an Asian Paddle Crab in your crab pot), take photos, then store the sample/s in a ziplock plastic bag or plastic container. 
• Using a permanent marker record the date, your name and contact details, location it was found and any other details listed above in Record it on to the outside of the bag with the sample. 
• Store the sample in a cold esky or fridge. Do not freeze it (unless there is no other way to preserve it).

FishWatch will advise where you can drop off your sample - usually your local DPIRD office. WA aquaculture licence holders should report via the WA aquaculture hotline, as per their aquaculture licence conditions. 

For further advice on storage contact aquatic.biosecurity@dpird.wa.gov.au.