Exotic Aquatic Organisms - International Development Research ...
Exotic Aquatic Organisms - International Development Research ...
Exotic Aquatic Organisms - International Development Research ...
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126<br />
The Role of the Commonwealth Government<br />
In Australia, responsibility for management of native fauna is vested with each State and<br />
Territory Government. The Commonwealth (Federal) Government has responsibilities for fauna<br />
in Commonwealth Territories, as well as for matters relating to fauna in import and export<br />
control, foreign affairs and foreign trade. Responsibility for fisheries management rests with the<br />
State and Territory Governments except for the above mentioned matters.<br />
In 1976, the Endangered Species Regulations were promulgated under the Customs Act<br />
1901. This legislation remained in force until 1 May 1984 when the Wildlife Protection<br />
(Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1982 came into effect.<br />
In the matter of import and export control of fish (excluding fish products'), the most<br />
important Commonwealth legislation is the Wildlife Protection (Regulation of Exports and<br />
Imports) Act 1982. This Act protects endangered wildlife and wildlife that would be threatened<br />
by continuation of unregulated trade (Schedules 1 and 2), generally precludes export of live<br />
Australian fauna for commercial purposes, and seeks to prevent introduction of live plants and<br />
animals that could adversely affect the Australian natural environment (Schedules 5 and 6).<br />
Schedule 6 contains a listing of aquarium fish, both freshwater and marire that are<br />
'permitted imports'. Schedules to the Act are regularly amended. With the commencement of the<br />
Act, all previous controls were consolidated into a single piece of legislation and responsibility<br />
for administration was placed with the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service<br />
(ANPWS).<br />
Under the Act, the export and import of wildlife (and wildlife products) which is threatened<br />
with extinction or considered endangered is strictly regulated. Permits for trade in such wildlife<br />
are provided where certain conditions prevail, and the trade is for scientific or bona fide<br />
zoological purposes, or the wildlife has been bred in captivity or artificially propagated.<br />
Importation of species, such as aquarium fish, which could threaten the survival of wildlife<br />
within Australia is also subject to control.<br />
Intending importers should write to the Director, ANPWS, GPO Box 636, Canberra, ACT<br />
2601 Australia and complete a proforma outlining distribution, ecology and potential of the<br />
species to establish feral populations.<br />
All applications are considered by the Advisory Committee on Live Fish (ACOLF) to the<br />
Standing Committee of the Australian Fisheries Council. This technical advisory committee<br />
includes Commonwealth Government (ANPWS, Australian Quarantine Inspection Service<br />
(AQIS)), State and Territory Fisheries Authorities (8 members), an expert on fish disease and an<br />
expert on aquarium fish and meets twice a year.<br />
Criteria used by ACOLF in assessing applications are attached (Appendix III); the emphasis<br />
being on the potential of the species to survive and disperse in the wild.<br />
The export of Australian wildlife requires a permit unless exempted by the Act. Export of<br />
live Australian animals is only permitted for scientific or bona fide zoological purposes, or as<br />
household pets, in which case there are stringent requirements which must be met.<br />
The Role of ANPWS in Administration<br />
ANPWS has, since proclamation of the Wildlife Protection Act, been endeavouring to<br />
strengthen and develop close liaison with all Australian Conservation agencies and with all<br />
Federal departments which have a relationship to the control of wildlife.