An overview of the Species biofouling risk assessment

A new report has identified a suite of biofouling species of concern to Australia’s marine biosecurity. These species are those most likely to arrive and establish in Australia, and to cause unacceptable harm to any of the four core values of the environment, the economy, social and cultural values, and/or human health.

The report, Species biofouling risk assessment, evaluated the biosecurity risk to Australia associated with the entry, establishment and spread of marine pest species that attach to vessels. The species assessed are not currently known to be present in Australian waters. The report is intended to inform Australian Government policy development for continued management of marine pest risks.

Background to the report

Marine biological invasions have increased throughout the world, often through inadvertent transportation by vessel traffic to foreign regions. The introduction of species from these regions can adversely affect delicate native marine ecosystems and damage Australia’s fishing, aquaculture, tourism and other coastal industries.

In recent years, there has been a concerted global effort to address the transport of species in ballast water, which is used for trim and stability of vessels. The focus has now turned to species that spread by attaching themselves to the hulls and protected areas of vessels—known as biofouling. Currently there are no Australian Government regulatory measures in place for preventing the introduction of invasive marine species through biofouling.

Risk evaluation approach

The report used a conventional risk assessment approach adapted to the marine biosecurity context. This approach involved identifying which biofouling species had the greatest potential to be transported to Australia, establish a population on arrival and cause an impact. Impact assessments were based on documented overseas reports of the species affecting one or more of the four core values. The report also assessed the likelihood of the species spreading domestically, based on vessel traffic, species tolerances and ocean currents.

Identification of potential biofouling risks for Australia

At least 1781 marine species have been identified as having been introduced in marine or estuarine systems somewhere in the world.

Species identified as ‘key hazards’ for Australia are those that have a recognised invasion history, are not currently known to be present in Australian waters and are associated with biofouling.

If introduced, these species could have a potentially detrimental effect on Australia’s environment, economy, social and cultural values, or human health.

Key findings

The report concluded that there are 56 species that have a high probability of arrival in Australian waters and the potential to cause moderate to extreme impacts if successfully introduced. The list of species and their associated risk rankings are intended to assist the Australian Government in developing science and risk-based policies for managing biofouling risks. A new report has identified a suite of biofouling species of concern to Australia’s marine biosecurity. These species are those most likely to arrive and establish in Australia, and to cause unacceptable harm to any of the four core values of the environment, the economy, social and cultural values, and/or human health.

For more information visit the marine pests website.