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Research and Publications on Introduced Marine Pests
Introduction
Targeted research is required to underpin the policy and management decisions for each element of the National System for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursions. This research provides a scientific basis for initiatives and identifies gaps in knowledge.
Work to date has followed the strategies described in the Australian Strategic Plan for the National System and the National Plan for Introduced Marine Pests Research and Development 2001-2010. This strategic plan was revised and the new Research and Development Strategy for 2006-2016 will be released soon.
Much of the work to address ballast water risks to date has been funded by contributions raised by a voluntary levy imposed on the international shipping industry between 1998 to 2000. This levy was established with industry agreement to fund research into better management options for ballast water and biofouling pest incursion risks.
Significant work has also been funded through the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust (NHT). The NHT was established in 1997 to help restore and conserve Australia's environment and natural resources. The NHT brings together the efforts of individuals, communities and governments to target Australia’s environmental problems at their source.
Under the second phase of the NHT, funding was provided to all levels of government and communities to tackle the major environmental challenges facing Australia. The Fisheries and Aquaculture, and the Fisheries and Forestry Environment branches in DAFF manage a number of projects that were funded under NHT's second phase.
Research to Date
The Invasive Marine Species Program has already produced a number of publications as part of a Ballast Water Research Series which present research and technical investigations on ballast water management, such as exchange and treatments. This research provides a scientific basis for policy decisions and supports implemented management initiatives. The series initially focused on ballast water research but was later extended to include biofouling of ships, as this has been recognised as an important vector of marine pests and an area lacking in technical knowledge.
Report no 1 - Ballast Water Treatment for the Removal of Marine Organisms, June 1993
Report no 2 - Shipping Ballast Water Trials on the MV 'Iron Whyalla', September 1993
Report no 3 - An Epidemiological Review of Possible Introductions of Fish Diseases, Northern Pacific Seastar and Japanese Kelp through Ship's Ballast Water, January 1994
Report no 4 - Ballast Water Management, September 1993
Report no 5 - Ballast Water Ports and Shipping Study, February 1994
Report no 6 - Bio-economic Risk Assessment of the Potential Introduction of Exotic Organisms through Ships' Ballast Water, April 1994
Report no 7 - Ballast Water Ports and Diseases Study, December 1995
Report no 8 - Feasibility of Developing a Rapid Diagnostic Test for Toxic Dinoflagellates in Ships' Ballast Water, December 1995
Report no 9 - Ballast Water Technical Overview Report, 1996
Report no 10 - The Potential for Vibrio cholerae to Translocate and Establish in Australian Waters, September 1998
Report no 11 - Ballast Water Heating and Sampling Trials on the BHP Ship MV ‘Iron Whyalla’, October 1997
Report no 12 - Suggested Designs to Facilitate Improved Management and Treatment of Ballast Water on New and Existing Ships, January 2001
Report no 13 - Ballast Water Treatment to Minimise the Risks of Introducing Nonindigenous Marine Organisms into Australian Ports, January 2001
Report no 14 - Hull Fouling as a Vector for the Translocation of Marine Organisms
Report no 15 - Phase 3 The Significance of the Prospective Ban on Tributylin Antifouling Paints on the Introduction and Tanslocation of Marine Pests in Australia
Report no 16 - The identification of management of vessel biofouling. Areas as pathways for the introduction of unwanted aquatic organisms
Hard copies are available from:
Invasive Marine Species Program
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
GPO Box 858
CANBERRA ACT 2601
AUSTRALIA