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What if I find material which could be a biosecurity risk?

Help keep Australia bio-secure by reporting biosecurity risks.

Why is biosecurity important?

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and Tangaroa Blue Foundation are working together to minimise the risk of exotic pests and diseases entering and establishing in Australia, which could harm our natural environment, food security, and economy.

One of the objectives of DAFF is to manage identified risks posed by incoming vessels, aircraft, cargo and passengers across Australia. This includes a surveillance team committed to coastal areas in northern Australia.

Biosecurity risk material can wash up on our shores through human-assisted activities such as foreign vessel movements or through natural pathways such as bird migrations, air and ocean currents.

Your role in Australia's biosecurity

Your contribution in identifying and reporting biosecurity risks during beach clean-up days will help facilitate practical solutions and inform education campaigns with relevant industry sectors to reduce marine debris from entering our oceans.

Some examples of biosecurity risk material

  • Waste from international vessels, particularly food waste - look for markings or wrapping in other languages.

  • Evidence of landings or debris relating to foreign vessel activity, e.g. marine timber debris that may contain exotic borers or termites.

  • Mass bird mortalities, which may indicate the presence of an exotic disease.
  • Evidence of animals that may have arrived from overseas, which, from your experience, are not native or endemic to the local area.

What to do if you encounter any of these items

  1. Take a photograph and record the GPS position to help with the identification of the
    risk material.
  2. If you suspect exotic diseases or pests are present, DO NOT move the debris or other materials.
  3. Report what you find: https://www.biosecurity.gov.au/report


Also see: How do I report the discharge of waste from ships?

Check out our Marine Debris ID Manual for more information on biosecurity risks and how to report offences such as wildlife smuggling and illegal fishing to the Australian Border Force.