Original story by Manika Dadson, The Examiner
TASMANIA’S biosecurity could be at risk from people importing marine fish and other objects into the state and, in some cases, reselling them without a licence.
Petland owner Brent Worsley is concerned that people are buying aquarium fish online from interstate and bypassing quarantine regulations. Photo: Paul Scambler
Pet shop owners across the state have raised concerns about the increasing number of people buying marine fish, coral, insects and seahorses from interstate stores or online.
The creatures or coral are being sent via Australia Post in packages containing a small amount of water, with some buyers not paying quarantine or licensing fees.
Some marine fish are also being resold or traded via a Facebook page.
The Pet Connection owner Natalie Vermey said she had known about people importing and selling for about a year.
“People have come into my store and said they are getting things into the state and bypassing quarantine,” Ms Vermey said.
“It’s unfair that we have to pay for licensing and quarantine when others don’t.”
Launceston Petland owner Brent Worsley said his business had also been affected by people buying online from interstate.
A Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment spokesman said that one-off marine species that met all biosecurity requirements were not charged a quarantine inspection fee.
“Pet stores, fish breeders and aquarium shops are charged a fee for the service,” the spokesman said.
For detailed and lengthy inspections, items held in quarantine for identification or a documentation check attract a fee, which for air freight is $25.30 and sea freight $56.91.
The spokesman said that Quarantine Tasmania conducted inspections at all freight centres, including mail centres.
“Australia Post staff help with the sorting and setting aside any plants and plant products, seeds, fish and fish products, animals or animal products for Quarantine inspections,” the spokesman said.
Pictures on the Marine Aquariums Tasmania Facebook page indicate many parcels coming into the state with live animals and coral inside look just like any other package, with some just marked “fragile, handle with care”.
An Australia Post spokeswoman said the company requires all senders to ensure their lodgements meet state and territory quarantine regulations, as sending prohibited goods is a criminal offence and offenders may be liable to prosecution.
“Customers are reminded to refer to Australia Post’s Post Guide on Dangerous and Prohibited Goods and Packaging, which shows the main prohibitions and restrictions on the movement of fish and wildlife within and between states and territories,” she said.
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