You will require this permit if you intend to undertake any of the following activities with any noxious aquatic species (NAS):
- import into Victoria
- take
- hatch
- keep or possess
- sell
- transport
- put into any container
- release into protected waters (meaning all Victorian waters, any aquarium and / or hatchery).
The species listed as NAS under the Act are only deemed 'noxious' if they are in live form.
The issue of NAS permits will be based on the level of risk posed by the proposed activity and whether the risks created by the activity can adequately be managed through permit conditions.
Activities that require a NAS permit include:
- commercial harvest of NAS, including NAS broodstock for the purposes of aquaculture
- hatching, breeding, rearing and growing NAS in conjunction with an aquaculture licence
- private ornamental display purposes (permitted only in exceptional circumstances)
- research purposes
- public display of NAS in a museum, zoo or aquarium
- public or private education institution purposes (by skilled professionals not students)
- human consumption of NAS (restricted to restaurants/caterers)
- eradication of NAS from the wild programs
- dredging operations that may result in the incidental take and release of NAS.
This permit is not renewable, but the Secretary may issue another permit when the old permit is about to expire.
