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Reportable aquatic pests and animal diseases

Certain pests and diseases of aquatic animals must be reported to the department if they are known or suspected to be present.

In Western Australia, aquatic biosecurity operates under two Acts:

  1. Fisheries Resource Management Act 1994 (FRMA)
  2. Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act)

These Acts require that certain pests and diseases of aquatic animals must be reported to the department if they are known or suspected to be present. 

Under FRMA, pests are listed as noxious fish. BAM Act diseases are known as reportable diseases and are listed on the WA reportable aquatic animal diseases list below.

You are legally required to report the presence or suspicion of any of these pests or diseases, in any species, to DPIRD as soon as possible. 

How to report aquatic pests: 

How to report aquatic diseases: 

  • During normal office hours, contact the DPIRD Diagnostics and Laboratory Services (DDLS) duty pathologist on +61 (0)8 9368 3351. 
  • For after hours, contact the FishWatch 24-hour hotline on 1800 815 507. 
  • WA aquaculture licence holders should report via the WA aquaculture hotline, as per their aquaculture licence conditions.

WA reportable aquatic animal disease list

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