Aquatic Biosecurity-Department of Regional Development, Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines-Fisheries

Aquatic Biosecurity

Aquatic Biosecurity

What are Aquatic Pests?

Introduced aquatic species are plants or animals that have been transported to a new state or country and accidently or deliberately released into the local waterways.

In their natural environment, these species have evolved with the diseases, predators and controls that act to restrict their growth and maintain the natural balance of the ecosystem.

When introduced to a new environment, introduced species are no longer restricted by the natural controls of their native environment. While many of these introduced species merely become ecological pollutants, some have the potential to become serious pests that threaten Australia's freshwater, estuarine and marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Aquatic pests can also have adverse economic impacts on aquaculture, commercial and recreational fisheries, port industries, tourism, and marine infrastructure.

What do they do?

Aquatic pests tend to share a number of characteristics - they have high reproduction rates, are fast growing, highly invasive, and tolerant of a wide range of environmental conditions.

Pest species may threaten native plants and animals directly through predation or by being more effective competitors for resources like food, light and habitat. Or they may be indirect impacts such as altering the environment or affecting community dynamics and food webs.

In addition to ecological impacts, aquatic pests can also severely harm the local economy. Introduced species can reduce the abundances of economically profitable native species, in turn affecting commercial and recreational fishing industries, and aquaculture. Marine pests can also severely foul internal and external surfaces of vessels and port infrastructure, leading to huge increases in maintenance costs.

What is the Aquatic Biosecurity Unit?

In response to the threat of introduced aquatic pests, Aquatic Biosecurity was established to:

Monitor

Document natural changes in the abundance and species composition of native marine fouling communities. [more]

Inspect Vessels

Coordinate the inspection and precautionary treatment of high risk vessels which have travelled in international waters for aquatic pests. [more]

Receive Reports

Act as reference point for the reporting of potential pest species observed in the local environment. [more]

Educate

Protect Territory waters from aquatic pest introductions through public awareness and eradication operations.

Represent

Represent the Northern Territory in national forums advancing the development of policies which address the prevention and management of introduced aquatic species.

Emergency Response

Provide for emergency response to detected introductions of exotic species.

A new national marine pest website has recently been brought online.

To find out more about the National System for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursions visit www.marinepests.gov.au

And for more information on introduced marine pests in Australia visit www.marinepest.gov.au/nimpis

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