News Room
Darwin Harbour Protected From Aquatic Pests
[ 30/06/2008 ]
The Northern Territory Government remains committed to protecting Darwin Harbour from aquatic pests, Fisheries Minister Chris Natt said today.
“Fishing is part of the great Territory lifestyle – we want to keep it that way,” Mr Natt said.
“That is why we continue to work hard to ensure Darwin Harbour – a popular spot for recreational fishermen – remains free from aquatic pests.
“Only four days ago Asian green mussels (Perna viridis) were detected on a recreational yacht in Darwin Harbour that had previously been sailing in South-East Asia.
“Fisheries officers from my department – in consultation with the yacht’s skipper - arranged for the yacht that day to anchor at a quarantine mooring location near Fannie Bay.
“Arrangements were made for the yacht to be properly inspected and hauled to a slip-yard on Saturday before being pressure cleaned today.
“We anticipate the yacht will be back in the water tomorrow – free of any aquatic pests.
“It has been nine years since Black-striped mussels were detected in Cullen Bay – costing Territorians millions of dollars.
“Black-striped mussels and Asian green mussels pose an economic threat by clogging engine cooling systems on vessels and causing heavy fouling growth on marine infrastructure – they are also an environmental threat as they can dominate marine habitats and exclude native species, impacting on biodiversity.
“The Northern Territory Government is working hard to ensure Darwin Harbour, businesses and Territory families are protected from aquatic pests.
“The Northern Territory plays an important role in preventing the introduction of exotic pests and diseases to our coastal waters and shores – with my department undertaking marine pest inspections of vessels entering any of Darwin’s locked marinas.
“People can report marine pests by calling 0413 381 094. On behalf of all Territorians I thank my department for the good work it does in keeping our waters free of exotic pests and diseases.”