Biodiscovery collection authority

To take and use small quantities of native biological material (living or dead plants, algae, animals and micro-organisms) from State land or Queensland waters for biodiscovery, you must first obtain an approved collection authority and benefit sharing agreement from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

The holder of the collection authority and/or their agents may collect the native biological material from areas specified on the authority. To apply, you must complete a collection authority application form and submit it for assessment to the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

The application will ask for details on your proposed collection of native biological material as well as an outline of the proposed commercialisation strategy.

Collecting from State land or Queensland waters

For a definition of State land, check the Biodiscovery Act 2004.

The Australian Marine Spatial Information System is an interactive map of the Australian maritime boundaries, which will help you locate appropriate state water boundaries. If you require further advice on these definitions, email qldscience@qld.gov.au.

Collecting from areas other than State land or Queensland waters

A collection authority is not required for the collection of native biological material from freehold land, or to scientific research for purposes other than biodiscovery. These activities will continue to be managed by other permit types (e.g. permits under the Nature Conservation Act 1992).

You may require additional authority to collect native biological material in locations that are under Commonwealth jurisdiction (such as areas of the Torres Strait, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area). This means that your collection may be subject to additional or alternative conditions to those imposed by the state.

Also consider...

• Email qldscience@qld.gov.au for more information about collection authorities or to organise a pre-application meeting.
• Contact the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority for more information about collecting in the Great Barrier Reef.
• Read about accessing Australia's native biological resources for each state and territory.