What has changed
The federal government has updated the List of Exempt Native Specimens to include the Tasmanian Freshwater Eel Fishery. The amending instrument was registered on 20 July 2026 and is now in force.
The amendment is made under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and is administered by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
What the amendment does
The instrument adds the Tasmanian Freshwater Eel Fishery to the existing List of Exempt Native Specimens Instrument 2001. Eels taken from that fishery under the relevant conditions can be traded or exported without needing individual CITES permits.
Key actions
- Operators in the Tasmanian freshwater eel fishery can check the updated List of Exempt Native Specimens Instrument 2001 at legislation.gov.au to confirm what conditions apply to export or trade activities under this amendment.
- The full instrument and explanatory statement are available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L00981 and set out the specific definitions and schedule changes that apply to fishery operations.
- The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water can be contacted by those who are unsure whether their eel fishery operations are covered by the exemption.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.