Aquatic pest management
Aquatic biosecurity practises are needed to manage risks associated with pests, and the potential impacts to SA's industries, community and environment.
Early detection and rapid response can minimise the consequences of aquatic pests. Any sightings of aquatic pest species must be immediately reported to Fishwatch.
Our management activities focus on:
- prevention
- eradication
- containment
- control.
Marine pests
Aquatic biosecurity is linked throughout Australia by movements across water bodies.
Large vessels and equipment in marine waters can carry pests, and people move aquatic species either accidentally or through importation. High risk pathways of pest introduction include:
- release of vessel ballast water
- biofouling of vessels and equipment
- release of aquarium fish.
National consistency is crucial for how jurisdictions manage aquatic pests.
National committees
PIRSA is involved with national committees, supporting the coordinated management of aquatic pests. These include the:
- National System for Marine Pests, overseen by the Marine Pest Sectoral Committee (MPSC)
- National Introduced Marine Pest Information System (NIMPIS), giving information about pest species
- Environment and Invasives Committee (EIC), providing policy leadership for invasive plant, vertebrate and invertebrate species that adversely impact the environment, economy, and community.
State Marine Biosecurity Forum
The biannual Marine Biosecurity South Australia Forum focuses on issues of state or regional significance, such as marine pests and environmental fish kills.
The forum enables information sharing and activity coordination across:
- government groups
- non-government organisations
- communities
- industries.
Freshwater vertebrates and invertebrates
Freshwater pest fish and invertebrates (mollusc, crustacean) are managed by the EIC through the Freshwater Vertebrates and Invertebrates Working Group (FVIWG).
The group has representatives from the federal government and all states and territories. They advise the EIC on relevant issues such as:
- known freshwater pest fish and potential new species
- freshwater invertebrates
- ornamental pest fish
- noxious species listings
- internationally recognised best-practice management for freshwater pest fish.
Report suspected exotic species and diseases
Early detection is important to stop the establishment and spread of aquatic pests and diseases.
Report unusual sightings immediately, including mass fish die-off.