DPIRD calls for wary eye on biosecurity threats
While recent land-based biosecurity issues have made the headlines, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) is reminding ocean users to be alert for aquatic biosecurity threats.
DPIRD maintains an ongoing State-wide Array Surveillance Program (SWASP), working with Port authorities in Fremantle, Albany, Esperance, Geraldton, Port Hedland, Dampier, Broome, and other ports to reduce the risks of invasive species being introduced to local waters from visiting ships.
Its biosecurity teams responded recently to an invasive marine pest, carpet sea squirt (Didemnum vexillum) which was located at Henderson. Carpet sea squirt can smother native marine species like shellfish, sea sponges and algae and also foul vessels and marine infrastructure, so ongoing surveillance along WA’s 11,000-kilometre coastline is an important biosecurity measure to detect and manage any spread.
In the past year, DPIRD has proactively carried out biosecurity surveillance around WA with research and development into eDNA (environmental DNA) to help better detect and identify species present in water, plankton and biofouling.
Aquatic Biosecurity officers also inspect and monitor freshwater locations around the State, as well as water and plankton collection for eDNA analysis and work under agreement with the Commonwealth Government to carry out surveillance at Christmas Island and the Cocos Keeling Islands.
DPIRD Aquatic Pest Biosecurity Technical Area Manager Justin McDonald said the freshwater ecosystems of WA were historically challenged by many introduced species, which has been on a more rapid growing trajectory since the late 1990s.
“Many of the introductions stem from the release of aquarium fish, through deliberate release or escape. Some fish, like carp, are known ecosystem modifiers and can have a detrimental impact on water quality and native fish populations,” Dr McDonald said.
“Native fish in South West WA are generally quite small and vulnerable to predation and fin-nipping by larger, introduced fish. Due to the connectivity of aquatic systems and biology of the introduced species, it is exceedingly difficult to eradicate these invaders.”
Fishers are asked to keep an eye out for aquatic pests in WA’s inland water ways and ocean environments. You can report any concerns to the 24-hour FISHWATCH hotline on 1800 815 507.