19 January 2018
Who does this notice affect?
This notice is of interest to relevant shipping agents, international vessel masters and international vessel operators.
What has changed?
The heightened vessel surveillance window for Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM) is between January and May each year. The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (the department) has commenced the management of AGM risk on vessels arriving in Australia. This activity is expected to conclude on 31 May 2018.
Vessels that have visited an overseas AGM risk seaport during the 2017 AGM flight season will be risk assessed by the department to determine the need for a targeted AGM inspection on arrival. All relevant vessels will be sent an AGM questionnaire through the Maritime Arrivals Reporting System (MARS), as part of the pre-arrival reporting process.
Once the questionnaire is completed and returned to the Maritime National Coordination Centre (MNCC) and assessed, the vessels will be notified if a targeted AGM inspection is required as part of their first port arrival formalities.
Vessels masters should continue to remain vigilant for exotic insects and report detections to the department. The department has developed a pest alert brochure to assist vessel masters and crew to detect hitchhiking pests of biosecurity concern, such as AGM. The pest alert brochure can be found on the departmental website at Asian gypsy moth.
The activities of assessment and inspection for seasonal pests, such as AGM, are chargeable in accordance with the department’s Charging Guidelines.
Further information
If you require further information please contact the Maritime National Coordination Centre or phone +61 8 8201 6185 (overseas) or 1300 004 605 (in Australia).