What has changed
The federal government has updated the List of Exempt Native Specimens to include three Northern Territory fisheries: the NT Trepang (sea cucumber) Fishery, the NT Mud Crab Fishery, and the NT Spanish Mackerel Fishery. The instrument commenced on 20 August 2026.
What the exempt list means
Inclusion on the List of Exempt Native Specimens means that specimens from these fisheries can be traded or exported without individual permits under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This reduces paperwork for businesses operating in those fisheries.
Administering agency and legal basis
The instrument 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.
Key actions
- Operators in the NT Trepang, NT Mud Crab, or NT Spanish Mackerel fishery who export or trade specimens can check the updated List of Exempt Native Specimens Instrument 2001 to confirm their fishery is now listed as exempt. The full document is available at legislation.gov.au/F2026L01080.
- The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water can be contacted to confirm what the exemption means for existing permit or export arrangements. The source does not specify any transition steps.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.