Appendix H — Flushing Penalties
inserted 1987
H.1 The offence
The flushing of a registered fish is an offence (fictionally) attracting a penalty of $40,000. Parody satire — no real penalty applies.
| Conduct | Penalty (fictional) |
|---|---|
| Flushing a registered fish | $40,000 |
| Considering flushing | Noted |
| Explaining the flushing to the fish beforehand | A firm letter |
| Flushing an unregistered fish | $40,000, plus the registration you should have done |
H.2 Detection
Flushed fish may be identified by data dot (see Appendix E.3). Detection is carried out by the Department's sewerage division, which consists of a strongly worded memo.
H.3 Reality note (not satire)
Never flush a live fish, and never release aquarium fish or plants into waterways; they can harm native ecosystems. If you can no longer keep a fish, ask a local aquarium store or club about rehoming. For a deceased fish, ask a vet or your local council about appropriate disposal.
H.4 Related provisions
Owners of a deceased fish are referred to Appendix K and to Real Care.
Parody satire — this appendix is fictional and is not advice, except where marked "not satire".
Last updated: 20 October 2026. This page has been reviewed by the Committee for Reviewing Pages, which determined that it is a page.