Australia is home to a diverse range of freshwater crayfish. These species play an essential role in Australia’s ecosystems and natural environment.
Collectors value our colourful and rare freshwater crayfish species. This can make them targets for illegal wildlife traffickers.
Illicit trade can involve:
- unauthorised collection from the wild
- illegal domestic movement across state or territory borders
- export without permits or in breach of biosecurity controls.
We seize hundreds of species at the border during traffickers attempts to export. We have found Australian wildlife:
- hidden in luggage
- fraudulently labelled as toys, food or pet food
- shipped through other countries to avoid detection.
This threatens the sustainability of crayfish populations. It also hurts Australian fishers and exporters doing the right thing.
We work with:
- Australian Government agencies
- state and territory government agencies
- Australia Post
- businesses.
Together, we identify and disrupt wildlife crime.
We do this by sharing intelligence and undertaking joint investigation. We also implement new processes and technologies to detect smuggled wildlife.
Alleged breaches of environmental law are serious. Every allegation is assessed and may be investigated.
If you are exporting Australian wildlife, you need a permit.
Exporting Australian wildlife without a permit is a serious offence under Australia’s national environment laws. This crime carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and fines of up to $330,000, or both.
If you suspect a breach of environmental law, you can report it.
