Threatened Species
There are 12 native fish species, five crayfish and several other aquatic invertebrates listed on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 and eight fish recognised by Commonwealth legislation, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This means they may not be disturbed or harmed in any way without a permit. Two of these species, the Giant freshwater lobster and the Australian grayling, are also ‘protected fish’ under the Inland Fisheries Act 1995 and they may not be caught or otherwise disturbed.
Of the 12 fish listed on the State’s threatened species list, all are galaxiids with the exception of the Australian grayling. In addition, all species of freshwater crayfish, particularly the giant freshwater lobster, are protected from fishing. Penalties for taking threatened or protected species are considerable, costing those convicted as much as $10,000.
Tasmanian Galaxias Recovery Program
The Service is currently implementing a recovery plan for 5 endemic galaxias species. Recovery actions detailed in the plan include monitoring the remaining natural populations, establishment and monitoring of translocated populations, habitat management (land use, barriers to introduced fish etc), captive breeding methods and information and education. A copy of the Plan is available via this link Galaxias Recovery Plan (pdf)
