Fisheries industry
Last Updated: 24 June 2020
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Business types in this industry
The fisheries industry includes:
- fishing businesses
- hunting businesses
- trapping businesses
- aquaculture businesses
Legislation, standards and initiatives
It's important that you're aware of the laws that apply to the fisheries industry. The key legislation includes:
Licences and permits
State or territory governments manage the licences and permits for the fisheries industry.
The licences and permits you may need include:
- approval to conduct fishing activities
- approval to use certain fishing equipment
- chemical use in aquaculture
- protecting marine parks
- protecting marine life
- disposal of waste
- managing fish population
- aquaculture
Find the licences and permits you need for your business
Search the Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) to find information on the licences you may need.
Taxation
The fisheries have specific Goods and Services Tax (GST) measures. Know your GST obligations and register with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to ensure you can claim your GST credits.
Levies and charges
Levies and charges in the fisheries industry are used to:
- collect data
- conduct scientific research
- manage fish resources
- ensure sustainability
The main levies and charges that apply to the fisheries industry include:
- levies for farmed prawns
- levies as part of fishing permits and licences
- quota management charges
Additional levies and charges that apply if you export fish or fish products.
Employing people
If you employ staff , you need to comply with Australia’s national workplace laws specific to the fisheries industry.
Workplace health and safety (WHS)
All business must comply with general work health and safety regulations. The fisheries industry also has state specific WHS requirements. These include:
- protective clothing such as life jackets
- vessel safety equipment requirements
- manual handling safety standards
- preventing accidents and diseases
- workplace noise management
Environment
Businesses in the fisheries industry often rely heavily on the environment and stand to have the biggest benefits and impacts. The main environmental issues that businesses in the fisheries industry should understand include:
- fish quotas
- sustainability
- reporting
- waste management and reduction
Government organisations
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Federal government organisations
State and territory government agencies
Government industry research
Further advice and assistance
Check our general business information for additional regulations and obligations relevant to your business.
For further advice and assistance, consider contacting your accountant, solicitor, business adviser or industry association.
