Updating the non-salmonid finfish risk species lists

We have finalised a review of the risk species lists for non-salmonid marine finfish for human consumption and baitfish. On 28 July 2021 the risk species lists will be updated to reflect the findings of the review. The risk species lists can be found on the department’s Biosecurity Import Conditions database (BICON).

We asked for your feedback on the draft update of the non-salmonid marine finfish risk species lists. This is what you told us.

How you had your say

We sought feedback from people across government, the seafood industry and trading partners.

This included:

• Industry/peak bodies
• Government agencies
• Importers
• Producers
• Departmental officers
• Authorised officers
• A scientific expert

You gave feedback through:

• virtual meetings
• written submissions
• comments provided via emails

Who engaged

Online Submissions

We received 6 submissions on the update to the risk species lists.

What you said

During consultation there was overall support for the procedure to determine finfish susceptibility, and for the update to ensure the policy reflects the current risks to Australia’s Biosecurity. Constructive and valuable feedback on specific issues was provided. We considered all comments and feedback in preparing the final update to the risk species lists. The following amendments were made to the risk species lists after consultation.

Summary of amendments:

Based on information provided in the submissions, some genera have been added to the risks species lists and some have been removed. The evidence for the changes is outlined in the finalised Animal Biosecurity Advice (ABA) (Appendix C). The changes include:

Additions to medium risk list and restricted baitfish list:

• Leiognathus spp. (ponyfish)
• Mugil spp. (mullet)
• Rhabosargus spp. (goldlined seabream, silver bream, tarwhine, or yellowfin bream)
• Sciaenops spp. (red drum)

Addition to the medium risk list:

• Acanthopagrus spp.

As a result of the consultation process, the following genera are no longer going to be added to the high-risk list:

• Acanthopagrus spp. (common names include bream)
• Epinephelus spp.(grouper)

As a result of the consultation process, the following genera is no longer going to be added to the medium-risk list:

• Oxyeleotris spp. (marble goby)

Several editorial changes have been made to ensure ABA 2021-A02, and the risk species lists are easier to understand and follow. The changes include:

• Renaming the baitfish list ‘Restricted Baitfish’
• Reformatting the criteria in the new procedure
• Additional explanatory information about the restrictions for wild caught versus farmed finfish have been added to each list

What happens next

New import conditions will apply from 28 July 2021 for some non-salmonid finfish species for human consumption and for use as baitfish, as outlined in the Animal Biosecurity Advice 2021-A02.

From this date, listed non-salmonid finfish imported for human consumption and baitfish will need to comply with the risk management measures set out in the 1999 Import risk analysis on non-viable salmonids and non-salmonid marine finfish (1999 IRA) to be allowed entry into Australia.

The updated non-salmonid finfish risk species lists will be available on the Australian Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) webpage: https://bicon.agriculture.gov.au/BiconWeb4.0