Biosecurity Plan

The Microalgae Project 

By East Coast Algae Biosystems Pty Ltd

Last updated: July 2026

East Coast Algae Biosystems Pty Ltd (ECA) manages small aquatic samples collected through The Microalgae Project (the Project) for microscopy, filming and classroom education at its Northern Rivers research laboratory.

Our approach is simple:

Once a sample is received by ECA, no live sample material leaves the ECA laboratory.

This plan is guided by the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 and the General Biosecurity Duty. Under section 22, a person who deals with biosecurity matter and knows, or ought reasonably to know, the associated risk must, so far as is reasonably practicable, prevent, eliminate or minimise that risk.

What the Project Involves

The Project accepts small aquatic samples.

Samples are collected for:

• microscopy

• filming

• classroom education

• science communication

Samples are not used for aquaculture, environmental monitoring, diagnostic testing, regulatory assessment or water-quality certification.

ECA does not culture, release, redistribute or return live material from school samples.

Sample Collection by Schools

Schools receive a field kit and collection instructions.

Participating schools must:

• collect only the small aquatic samples needed for the Project

• collect from appropriate local aquatic habitats

• avoid collecting fish, tadpoles, large aquatic animals, large plant material or bulk sediment

• keep samples sealed and labelled

• avoid restricted or unsafe sites, and sites known or reasonably suspected to be contaminated or to present a biosecurity risk

• return samples using the supplied packaging

Schools are responsible for supervising students, selecting appropriate collection sites, completing any required risk assessment and following the supplied collection instructions.

Sample Transport and Receipt

Samples are returned to ECA in the supplied sealed packaging.

When received:

• packages are opened only in the designated ECA laboratory area

• samples are logged and handled as contained biological material

• samples remain in the designated laboratory area during processing

• live sample material is not returned to schools, landholders or third parties

• untreated sample material is not released to outdoor areas, waterways, soil or drains

Laboratory Containment

All sample handling occurs in a designated ECA laboratory area.

ECA uses containment procedures including:

• controlled sample storage during processing

• controlled opening and processing of samples

• equipment dedicated to sample contact or cleaned and disinfected between uses

• cleaning and disinfection of work surfaces

• controls to prevent untreated sample release

These controls support microscopy and filming while reducing the risk of moving live aquatic material between locations.

Sample Inactivation and Disposal

After microscopy and filming, samples are inactivated before disposal.

Containers, surfaces and equipment that come into contact with samples are cleaned or treated under ECA’s procedure. The procedure may include:

• chemical inactivation of sample material

• chemical disinfection of containers and contact surfaces

• heat treatment of relevant containers and equipment, where used

• cleaning and disinfection of reusable equipment

• controlled disposal of treated waste

Known or Suspected Biosecurity Risks

ECA does not knowingly accept prohibited, notifiable or high-risk aquatic biosecurity matter.

If ECA suspects prohibited or notifiable aquatic biosecurity matter, it will isolate the sample, seek advice from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) and report the matter where required. Suspected animal disease, including aquatic animal disease, can be reported through the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Other biosecurity concerns can be reported through the NSW Biosecurity Helpline on 1800 680 244.

NSW-Based Samples

The current standard sample pathway accepts NSW-based samples.

Limiting the standard sample pathway to NSW reduces cross-border complexity but does not remove biosecurity risk between waterways, catchments or regions. All samples are treated as contained biological material after receipt.

Participation involving samples collected outside NSW requires ECA’s prior approval after the relevant biosecurity, transport and legal requirements have been reviewed.

Responsibilities

ECA is responsible for:

• supplying collection instructions and return packaging

• receiving and handling samples in a designated ECA laboratory area

• preventing live sample material from being returned or released after receipt

• inactivating and disposing of samples under the confirmed procedure

• cleaning or treating sample containers, surfaces and equipment under the confirmed procedure

• reviewing and updating biosecurity procedures as the Project develops

Participating schools are responsible for:

• following the sample collection instructions

• supervising students during collection

• selecting appropriate and safe collection sites and completing any required risk assessment

• sealing and returning samples as instructed

• promptly advising ECA of any concern about a sample, site or package

Review

This Biosecurity Plan will be reviewed if collection, transport, containment or treatment procedures change; if the Project expands outside NSW; if an incident identifies a need for revision; or if relevant NSW biosecurity requirements or guidance change.

Contact

East Coast Algae Biosystems Pty Ltd 

steph@ecabiosystems.com