Marine Pest Surveys

Project Title:

Marine Pest Surveys

Lead Agency / Scientist:

Purpose:

The purpose of the marine pest surveys is to trial various techniques to help determine the best methods for early detection and response to marine pest incursions.

Background:

Marine pests can have catastrophic impacts. They destroy habitat, compete with the native species and even eat them. They have been a key factor in extinctions around the world for the last few hundred years.
Marine pests are spread into new areas in a number of ways; via the transfer of equipment or materials from one area to another, through activities like marine farming and fishing, and by ballast water and dirty hulls on boats. Once established marine pests are very difficult to eradicate.
Parks Victoria is involved in a collaborative research project with one of its research partners, the University of Melbourne, aimed at predicting potential spread of marine pests and improving surveillance and detection of these species.
Parks Victoria is calling on all boat operators to help prevent the spread of the sea stars and other invasive pests into new areas by practicing the ‘Six D’s: Dislodge any attached plants or animals after boating. Drain all sea water from the vessel including any in wells. Douse boats in freshwater wherever possible. Dry the boat thoroughly. Dispose of unwanted live bait. Don’t forget to use authorised antifoulant.

Plan:

A range of surveys methods will be implemented by observers with varying levels of experience in some of the key marine habitats in MPAs in the two bays.
Surveys will be conducted in a total of four MPAs on January 16th and 27th (Ricketts Point), 20th (Yaringa), 23rd (Mud Islands – Port Phillip Heads), and 26th (Jawbone).

Further Information:

For more information on marine pests visit www.dse.vic.gov.au/marinepests

Image:

European Fan Worm (Sabella)

Japanese Kelp (Undaria)

Northern Pacific Seastar (Asterias)

Dead Man’s Fingers (Codium)