Domestic Vessel Movements and the Spread of Marine Pests
Introduced marine pest project report
Department of the Environment and Heritage, 2003
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About the report
Concern is mounting over the introduction of marine pests into Australian waters from overseas. A primary mechanism for this international transfer of species, in recent times, has been the discharge of foreign ballast water into Australian ports.
There is increasing recognition, however, that ballast water is not the only means by which marine pests are introduced into Australia. Around 250 exotic marine species have been identified in Australia, of which more than 75% are believed to have been introduced through biofouling rather than in ballast water. Biofouling is the attachment of organisms to a surface that is in contact with water for a period of time.
In light of mounting threats to Australia’s marine ecosystems posed by escalating pest incursions, Australian Governments recently agreed to implement the National System for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursions (‘the National System’) to put in place a range of measures to deal with all aspects of prevention, management and control of marine pests.
This report is intended to provide information to support the National System. It is intended as an initial, scoping document and not a comprehensive review.
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