Noxious aquatic species in dams

Are you illegally releasing fish?

Primary Industries has recently been tackling the issue of exotic and noxious species on private waterways. In most cases, people are unaware that the exotic and noxious species part of the Fisheries Management Act 2007 still applies to waterways on private land.

It is illegal to have possession or control of aquatic resources of a noxious species without the appropriate authorisation. List of noxious fish.

It is also illegal to release or permit the escape of an exotic fish. Exotic species include are any species that are not native to waterways of that area. Common exotics include Marron (Cherax cainii), Tench (Tinca tinca), Roach (Rutilus rutilus) and Goldfish (Carassius auratus auratus).

These requirements apply to any waters, including private dams.

View the brochure on DAM SPECIES!

What to do if you have noxious or exotic species?

Pest species are the greatest threat to South Australia’s waterways. If you have noxious or exotic species on your property you must get rid of them. These species out compete and predate on native species and degrade the health or waterways through impacting native vegetation and reducing water quality. Our native species will not survive if pest species spread!

To get rid of noxious or exotic species you can take a number of simple steps:

  1. Do not stock noxious or exotic species. Ensure no further fish are released into or enter the dam or waterway.
  2. Do not return any fish that are found or caught from the dam back into the water.
  3. Actively fish! Fishing in your dam can be easy, fun and effective. Fish in your dam can be caught using rods, nets or traps of any kind.
  4. In some cases, the stocking of native species to assist with controlling numbers can be helpful, but make sure your dam is surrounded by land and not connected to a local water course/stream, as this will require a written approval from PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture.

To discuss the removal of noxious or exotic species further, please contact Biosecurity SA on (08) 8207 7900.

To report illegal activity relating to noxious or exotic species, please contact FISHWATCH on 1800 065 522.