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Government of Western Australia - Department of Fisheries

How to apply to translocate fish

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The department has developed a new online application and approval system to manage applications for translocation approvals from the Chief Executive Officer.  This will provide a faster, simpler service to applicants.

The application process is free-of-charge and only takes a few minutes to apply. 

Visit the Fish Translocation System​ to apply. 

The system manages 3 main ways to legally translocate live non-endemic fish into and within Western Australia by providing:

  1. Automated Translocation Approvals
  2. Streamlined Translocation Approvals
  3. Standard Translocation Approvals.

If you cannot meet the requirements for an Automated Approval, you may still be eligible for another type of approval and the system will redirect you to submit either a Streamlined or Standard Translocation Application.  

The resulting application will be sent to the department's Translocation Officer for processing and they will be in contact with you if any further information is required. 

Streamlined applications may take up to 10 days to be processed. Standard applications may take longer, as risk assessments may be required.  

Automated and streamlined translocation approvals

This process is a fast-tracked way to receive approval if you are planning to translocate fish for the following three (3) activities:

  • live seafood trade 
  • non-commercial aquaculture (including non-commercial aquaponics) 
  • non-commercial stocking in farm dams.

You can apply online​ for an Automated Translocation Approval if you meet certain conditions and intend to translocate rainbow or brown trout into low-risk areas.  You should receive your approval immediately.

You can apply for a Streamlined Translocation Approval if you meet certain conditions and intend to translocate whitelisted species into low-risk areas. See the conditions and species whitelist by applying online​ .

Standard Translocation Approval

The Standard Translocation Approval process is used when either:

  • You do not meet some or all of the criteria required for an Automated or Streamlined Translocation Approval (for instance, where the species is not on the relevant whitelist or you cannot meet the conditions).
  • You are applying to translocate fish for a purpose other than non-commercial aquaculture, stocking into farm dams or the live seafood trade.  

If this is the case, the system will automatically direct you to the correct application form for a standard translocation approval.  

If you are applying for another purpose, you can also choose the ‘Other’ translocation type at the start of the online application​.

Translocation Authority

If you intend to translocate fish that don’t meet the criteria for a Translocation Approval or is not on any of the department’s lists, you may need to apply for a Translocation Authority. This is a more complex process because a thorough risk assessment and consultation may be required.

A Translocation Authority is usually required for translocations on a large scale, or when the applicant intends to use the species for an activity or purpose used only on rare occasions, or when the species to be used is of a higher or unknown biosecurity risk.

There is a fee when applying for a Translocation Authority. For further information, or to obtain an application pack for a Translocation Authority, please contact the Translocation Officer.

More information and contact us

If you are unsure whether you meet the required criteria for a Translocation Approval, or need assistance to apply for a Translocation Authority, contact the Translocation Officer for more information by calling 1300 374 731 or by emailing translocation@dpird.wa.gov.au



Last modified: 10/09/2024 2:45 PM

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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.