Live decapod translocation

A decapod translocation policy for the Northern Territory (NT) was published in 2008, following an investigation into prawn diseases and risks.

Prawn farming at that time was growing; however, market forces meant that commercial prawn farming in the NT stopped. However, experimental prawn farming is underway, and expansion of operations elsewhere in the NT may occur.

The previous policy was split into 3 sections, covering disease control zones, quarantine and health certification and laboratory testing, and was a comprehensive review on the disease status of prawns in the NT at that time. It is still a valuable reference document.

This revised policy aims to clarify translocation conditions, be more consistent with translocation policies developed by Queensland (QLD) and New South Wales (NSW), and recognise the current state of decapod crustacean aquaculture in the NT. It was developed based on the NSW and QLD protocols, with additional sections to cover potential changes in translocation options such as nauplii and domesticated stocks.

The policy focuses on prawn and rock lobsters; however, it is a living document and will be modified to adapt as conditions and risks change, as well as if interest in other species arises.

The Australian Prawns Farmers Association, diagnostic laboratories and fisheries staff commented on the drafts of the policy aiming to ensure it was as practical as possible.

Read the NT policy for movement of live decapod crustaceans.

NT policy for movement of live decapod crustaceans PDF (652.7 KB)
NT policy for movement of live decapod crustaceans DOCX (466.1 KB)