Protected Aquatic and Priority Species

Protected Aquatic Biota (PAB) are declared under the Fisheries Act 1995.Species of the family Syngnathidae (seahorses, sea dragons and pipefish) are declared PAB. A person must not take, injure, damage, destroy, possess, keep, display for reward, release into Victorian waters or sell any PAB unless otherwise authorised.

The Executive Director Fisheries Victoria may issue a permit to a person to take, injure, damage, destroy, possess, keep, display for reward, release into Victorian waters or sell PAB.

Permits can only be issued in accordance with the PAB Permit Policy Statement. Persons wishing to apply for a PAB permit are advised to review the policy statement before submitting an application.

Permit Policy Statement