Noxious Aquatic Species in Victoria
Noxious aquatic species can include fish, and other plants and animals that live in water.
Victoria has listed several species and genera as noxious under Section 75 of the Fisheries Act 1995.
By declaring a species as noxious, the Victorian Government applies regulations to control the use and potential spread of that animal or plant species.
The Fisheries Act also provides powers to allow Fisheries officers to seize and remove noxious aquatic species.
Victoria's noxious aquatic species are listed here.
Dos and Don'ts for aquatic noxious species
Do report any unusual or strange plant, or animal, that you find or see in Victoria.
Do kill European (common) carp immediately and don't return live carp to the water.
Don't use live aquatic noxious species as bait.
Without a permit, don't:
- bring noxious aquatic species into Victoria,
- take, hatch, keep, possess, or sell noxious aquatic species
- transport noxious aquatic species
- put noxious aquatic species into any container
- release noxious aquatic species into protected waters
Without a permit, don't:
- import or bring koi carp into Victoria
- keep, sell, trade, transport or possess koi carp
Without a permit, these activities are illegal and penalties apply.
Reporting noxious aquatic species
The Fisheries Act requires people to report the existence and location of noxious aquatic species, including people illegally possessing them.
All information will be treated in strict confidence and will assist in planning patrols and enforcement operations.
Reporting a sighting in the environment.
When making a report please include the following details to help Victorian Fisheries Authority to follow up on your report as quickly as possible:
- Your name.
- Your contact phone number.
- Your email address.
- The name or a brief description of the animal you wish to report.
- Images (photos, if possible) are usually the best for identification.
- The number of animals you have found or spotted.
- The date and time of the sighting.
- Location where the animal was found or spotted (specific references to streets or landmarks are helpful).
Please Email these details to enforcement@vfa.vic.gov.au
OR
Call the Customer Service Centre on 136 186 and give these details
What should you do if you suspect someone is keeping or selling noxious aquatic species in Victoria?
If you suspect a person or a business of illegal activity, please call our fisheries offence reporting line "13FISH" (13 3474).
Helpful information includes:
- Time and date of activity and if observed activity is continuing or has finished
- Place/address
- Number of people involved
- Activity (e.g. specify "keeping or selling noxious fish")
- Equipment being used
Other general fisheries telephone enquiries should always be directed to the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
Applying for a Noxious Aquatic Species Permit
Understand the circumstances under which permits will be issued
Permits will only be issued if very specific criteria are met.
In assessing whether to issue a permit, the VFA must consider:
- the welfare of any relevant fishery or aquatic ecosystem
- if the applicant satisfies the eligibility criteria
- the purpose of the proposed use of the noxious aquatic species.
These criteria are explained in our Noxious Aquatic Species Permits Policy Statement
Complete the template
If you think you meet the eligibility requirements, you will need to submit a permit application form and provide a good, evidence-based reason why this permit should be issued for the requested activity.
You will need to submit a written proposal with your application describing your intended activities including:
- the purpose of the permit;
- information about the species;
- the number of specimens you wish to take;
- the location of your activity;
- the gear you intend to use.
Permits are only given when the VFA is satisfied that there is good reason for the proposed activity.
Permits may be issued for periods of up to 3 years.