Marine Pests

Introduced species are able to invade NSW marine waters in a number of ways including through hull fouling and discharge of ballast water (see below). The NSW trading ports of Sydney Harbour (Port Jackson), Botany Bay, Port Kembla and Eden contain at least 30 introduced marine taxa.

Many of the introduced species do not appear to have an ecological or economic impact. Of the exotic species found in NSW waters, only a few are on the current schedule of key marines pests targeted in Australia.

Botany Bay and Sydney Harbour has known occurrences of the following exotic species:

Aquarium caulerpa (Caulerpa taxifolia) - Live Organisms

Dinoflagellates:

• Alexandrium catenella - Inactive Cysts
• Alexandrium tamarense- Inactive Cysts
• Gymnodinium catenatum- Inactive Cysts

Crassostrea gigas - Pacific Oyster

Non-native marine pests can be introduced to Australian shores within ship ballast water and on ship hulls (biofouling). Marine pests can detrimentally affect marine ecology, fisheries and tourism and so present both a biodiversity and economic risk to Sydney. More information

Ballast Water

The management of marine pests from international shipping movements is controlled by the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS). On 27 May, 2005 Australia signed the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments. This convention, developed through the International Maritime Organization, aims to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms by ships ballast water and sediments. Australia is considering ratification of the convention as part of the process of developing National Ballast Water Management arrangements.

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is leading the implementation of National Ballast Water Management Arrangements under the Australian National System for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursions. The objective of the Ballast Water Management Arrangements is to manage any adverse economic, environmental and social impacts of exotic marine species by reducing the risk of their introduction, establishment and spread into the Australian marine environment from ships' ballast water. The Department, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), and industry are closely involved in the implementation of the Ballast Water Management Arrangements to ensure that they do not unduly impede trade or compromise ship safety.

Sydney Ports is playing an active part in further developing the state level marine pest guidelines as part of the NSW Marine Pests Working Group. The working group is reviewing guidelines, monitoring and communications for ballast water release in domestic shipping movements as well as control of hull fouling.

The Ballast Water Management Arrangements aim to ensure Australia has consistent international and domestic ballast water management controls in place to reduce the risk of introducing a marine invasive species into Australia's unique marine environment.

Biofouling

Marine pests can also be introduced into the environment via biofouling, the accumulation of marine organisms (plants or animals) that attach to objects immersed in salt water (such as vessels’ hulls, ropes, anchors and other equipment). Guidelines, voluntary protocols or regulations for managing the marine pest risks from biofouling will be developed for all marine sectors including commercial shipping and ports.

Once the management arrangements have been finalised Sydney Ports Corporation expects to be heavily involved in the National Monitoring Strategy which targets particular species in high risk locations.