Introduced Marine Pests and Fisheries

The implications of Introduced Marine Pests (IMPs) is an issue facing the seafood industry. IMPs have the potential to impact marine ecosystems which may in turn affect fisheries resources. Commercial fishing and aquaculture activities have been recognised as possible vectors for marine pests to colonise new areas.

OceanWatch Australia via its SeaNet Officers is seeking to improve the awareness of IMP issues in the industry through review of IMP content in fishing vessel operations training packages, possible development of industry specific information regarding IMPs and participating in the development of a National System for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursions. By encouraging industry adoption of 'Best Practices' in fishing activities, the risk of unintentionally translocating IMPs into new areas can be reduced.

The kinds of measures that will be nominated as best practices will include:

• Keeping fishing vessel hulls and internal pipes clean from hull fouling, which can provide niches for marine pests.
• Cleaning fishing gear when moving between fishing grounds, especially inshore and estuarine areas.
• Not returning declared marine pests to the water.
  

Download the draft National best practice guidelines for domestic commercial fishing vessels in relation to managing marine pests

For more information contact Anissa Lawrence - on (61) 2 9660 2262 or the local SeaNet Officer in your state.

Image of the Northern Pacific Seastar ( asterias amurensis ) courtesy of the Alaska Fisheries Science Centre.