Live sturgeon

Import of live sturgeon for aquaculture – Biosecurity import risk analysis provisional report. Language(s): English. Number of pages: 408

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has released the provisional report for the Biosecurity import risk analysis of live sturgeon for aquaculture (the sturgeon BIRA).

The sturgeon BIRA assesses the biosecurity risks associated with the import of live sturgeon (Acipenser and Huso species) from all countries for aquaculture.

The provisional BIRA report proposes that Acipenser and Huso species be permitted import into Australia, provided they comply with appropriate biosecurity measures. These measures include sourcing from disease-free stocks, pre-export and post-arrival quarantine, parasite treatment, egg disinfection and testing for disease agents.

The provisional BIRA report can be accessed at https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/policy/risk-analysis/animal/live-sturgeon-for-aquaculture. As per the Biosecurity Regulation 2016, release of the provisional report initiates a 30‑calendar day Inspector General of Biosecurity (IGB) referral period. If referred, the IGB will only review the process used to conduct the sturgeon BIRA, not the science within the report. This referral period will close on 11:59 pm, Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), 11 April 2024. If there is no referral or the IGB decides that a review is not appropriate, the provisional report will be published as the final BIRA report as soon as practical.