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Government of Western Australia - Department of Fisheries

Aquatic biosecurity

Aquatic pests and diseases are a significant threat to Western Australia’s precious oceans and rivers. Pests can devastate aquatic ecosystems, damaging economies, environments, and lifestyles.

Aquatic pests can be transported by ocean-going vessels, and by escaping or being released into our rivers and dams.

The best defence against aquatic pests is to prevent them entering and establishing in our waters in the first place.

We are leading the prevention effort with aquatic biosecurity surveillance programs that utilise cutting edge technology, and ground-breaking management and compliance strategies.

WA's industries and the community are essential partners in the fight to keep our waters pest free. We are also working at a national level to prevent the spread of pests and diseases in the nation's waters.

We all have a role to play in helping protect our precious environment and waterways. Those who spend time in or around the water are well-placed to spot new aquatic pests and can help by reporting any suspected aquatic pe​sts​​ or aquatic biosecurity breaches to FishWatch 1800 815 507.

Aquatic diseases and fish kills also present a risk to WA's aquatic environment. To read more about these threats please see our page on aquatic animal health.​


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Last modified: 31/08/2022 4:10 PM

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Disclaimer

The information and advice provided by the Department of Fisheries website is made in good faith and is from sources believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of release onto the website. Changes in circumstances after a document is placed on the website may affect the accuracy of the information. Full disclaimer details are available at www.fish.wa.gov.au.