New tool to help protect Australian waters from introduced marine pests

BRS10/001

31 May 2010

The Colonial Sea Squirt (Didemnum vexillum) and eight other invasive marine pests are the latest additions to the new National Introduced Marine Pest Information System (NIMPIS), developed by the Bureau of Rural Sciences.

“Introduced marine pests have the potential to cause extensive damage to Australia’s marine environment, marine industry and human health,” said BRS Executive Director Dr Kim Ritman.

“Australian waters currently host more than 250 marine pests affecting our fishing industries, threatening biodiversity and reducing the amenity of our coastal areas.

The NIMPIS will play a vital role in the identification and management of new and existing marine pests.

It includes up-to-date data on introduced marine pest species in Australia and detailed information on the biology, ecology and distribution of pest species known to have been introduced to Australian waters.

It also provides information on species considered to be a high risk for future introductions based on their impact elsewhere and trends in trade and related shipping movements.

“The new version of NIMPIS will help address the increasing problem of marine pest introductions around the world and will strengthen its recognition as an authoritative source of information internationally,” Dr Ritman said.

The new version of NIMPIS is available at: http://www.marinepests.gov.au/nimpis

Media inquiries: contact DAFF media on 02 6272 3232 or email Media