Aquatic animal health

Aquatic animal health is everyone's responsibility under the Biosecurity Act 2014. You can help protect our wild aquatic animals, fisheries and aquaculture industries by managing aquatic animal disease risks and reporting sick or dead aquatic animals in the wild.

Managing disease in aquatic animals

Aquatic species are susceptible to infectious diseases including viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and parasites. A biosecurity plan for aquaculture is critical to manage the risk of disease and will help prevent disease spread.

Knowing how to identify and report aquatic diseases will protect the sustainability and production of the industry.

Find out more about managing disease in aquaculture.

Moving aquatic animals

Moving aquatic animals within Queensland or from interstate can spread disease. You must follow policies and protocols for moving aquatic animals to ensure effective and safe translocation of species.

When moving live aquatic animals for research or other purposes, you should complete an application form for the movement to ensure that you have met your general biosecurity obligation under the Biosecurity Act 2014.

Reporting sick or dead aquatic animals in the wild

Incidents where a large number of fish, other marine or freshwater animals are killed in a short period in a creek or river should be reported to the Department of Environment and Science's pollution hotline on 1300 130 372.

Learn more about environmental fish kill reporting.

If you are concerned about infectious disease (such as spots or lesions), or discarded catch from fishing activity, phone the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23.

White spot disease

White spot disease is a highly contagious viral disease of crustaceans. It was found in 7 prawn farms located on the Logan River in 2016 and has also been found in a number of wild-caught prawns and crabs taken from the Logan River region and Redcliffe Peninsula in Moreton Bay.

Movement restrictions are in place. Commercial and recreational fishers should follow the white spot disease advice to ensure the ongoing health of our marine habitat.

Also consider...

• Learn about chemical use in aquaculture.
• Read more about aquaculture policies, licencing and fees.
• Identify and manage a range of animal diseases and disorders.
• Identify and prevent the spread of invasive freshwater animals.
• Find out how to minimise the risk of invasive marine pests.