See something unusual? Report it. Even if you’re not sure.
Report marine pests as soon as possible. Give us the best chance to stop the spread and help protect our marine environment.
Don’t know what marine pests to look out for? Learn how to identify marine pests
Find out more about marine pests with the National Introduced Marine Pest Information System (NIMPIS)
Take photos
Take a few close-up photos of the suspected marine pest from different angles.
Where possible, include an object in the photo for size reference (like a coin or bank note, or a ruler if available).
If your camera has GPS, turn it on.
Record relevant details including the number of suspected marine pests you saw.
Check the location
Record your exact location. Include as many details about where you found the pest as you can, such as the habitat (e.g., harbour, beach, rocky reef).
You can screenshot your map app or use photo geotagging on your phone. You can turn geotagging on in your phone settings.
Note the date and the known (or approximate) time of the sighting.
If the organism was found underwater (i.e., while SCUBA diving) include the approximate water depth if known.
Report a sighting near you
Contact the Commonwealth, state or territory authority where you found the suspected marine pest using the reporting contact details below.
Unsure if it is a marine pest? Report it anyway.
Commonwealth places
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Canberra ACT 2601
Email ccimpe@aff.gov.au
Webpage How to identify marine pests
Find out more with the National Introduced Marine Pest Information System (NIMPIS)
New South Wales
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
DPIRD Aquatic Biosecurity
Port Stephens Fisheries Institute
Nelson Bay NSW 2315
Phone 1800 675 888 (24-hour hotline)
Email: aquatic.biosecurity@dpird.nsw.gov.au
Online Reporting Complete the online form
Webpage NSW Marine pests
Northern Territory
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
Berrimah NT 0828
Phone 1800 891 136 (Fishwatch 24-hour hotline)
Alternative Phone 0413 381 094 (24 hours)
Email aquaticbiosecurity@nt.gov.au
Mobile App NT Fishing Mate
Queensland
Biosecurity Queensland (Department of Primary Industries)
Brisbane QLD 4000
Phone 13 25 23 (DAF call centre)
Email marinepests@daf.qld.gov.au
Online Reporting Complete the online form
South Australia
Department of Primary Industries and Regions (Fishwatch)
Urrbrae SA 5064
Phone 1800 065 522 (Fishwatch Freecall 24-hour hotline)
Mobile App SA Fishing App
Webpage SA Aquatic pests
Tasmania
Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania
Biosecurity Tasmania
New Town TAS 7008
Phone 03 6165 3777
Email invasivespecies@nre.tas.gov.au or biosecurity.tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au
Alternative Phone 1300 368 550
Webpage TAS Aquatic pests
Victoria
Agriculture Victoria (Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action)
Attwood VIC 3049
Phone 136 186
Email: marine.pests@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Online Reporting Complete the online form
Webpage VIC Marine pests
Western Australia
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Hillarys WA 6025
Phone 1800 815 507 (FishWatch 24-hour hotline)
Email aquatic.biosecurity@dpird.wa.gov.au
Online Reporting Contact Us
Webpage WA aquatic pests and diseases