MARINE PESTS LOOK—REPORT—PROTECT

Marine pests are introduced invasive, non-native plants and animals that cause damage to the health of the native marine environment. They often reproduce quickly, in large numbers and can spread rapidly.

Once established, they are difficult to eradicate and can kill or out-compete native plants and animals for space and food. They can damage boat hulls, increase drag and fuel costs, and foul marine structures leading to increased maintenance costs. They can also impact widely on marine industries including ports and marinas, the commercial and recreational fishing industry and can lead to boating and fishing restrictions in affected areas.

Queensland is currently free from invasive marine pests and keeping Queensland’s marine environment pest-free is a priority for Biosecurity Queensland. Protecting Queensland’s marine ecosystems from pests should also be a priority for anyone who uses or enjoys the marine environment.

The most effective way to minimise the impact of marine pests is to prevent them from arriving. Early detection and response are the best chance we have to successfully contain and manage marine pests and protect our marine environment, key marine industries including, ports, marinas, commercial fisheries, tourism and aquaculture and our way of life.

Marine biosecurity—everyone plays a part

Biosecurity is a shared responsibility which is why Biosecurity Queensland is asking users of Queensland’s marine environment to keep an eye out and report suspected marine pests. This will help protect Queensland’s marine biodiversity and minimise the risk of pests establishing in Queensland’s marine environment.

Seven invasive pest species with the highest chance of arriving and establishing in Queensland waters have been identified:

1. Asian green mussel (Perna viridis)

2. Black striped false mussel (Mytilopsis sallei)

3 Asian bag mussel (Arcuatula senhousia)

4. Brown mussel (Perna perna)

5. Harris mud crab (Rhithropanopeus harrisii)

6. Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

7. Japanese seaweed/ Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida)

Two introduced marine pest species are established in Queensland waters:

• White colonial sea squirt (Didemnum perlucidum)

• Black scar oyster (Magallana bilineata)

Everyone can do their bit to report suspected marine pests and respond quickly before they spread.

Look around and keep an eye out. If you see or suspect a pest plant or animal, report it.

Take a photo of the suspect marine plant or animal. Collect a sample if it is safe to do so. Biosecurity Queensland can advise you on how to collect, pack and send samples. As a general rule:

• place the sample in a plastic container or bag such as a sandwich zip lock bag

• store the sample in the refrigerator or keep it on ice (do not freeze)

• contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 about how to package a specific sample and where to send it for identification.

• Report the marine pest sighting online or phone 13 25 23. Protect Don’t introduce or spread pests. Marine pests can unknowingly be attached to your boat or in a ship’s ballast and be transported long distances. Surveillance and good maintenance will help minimise the threat.

Use the online form to report a marine pest go to....

Email at marinepests@daf.qld. gov.au

Call Biosecurity Queensland immediately

Asian bag mussel Arcuatula senhousia)

• It is illegal to import, keep, breed or sell Asian bag mussels

• Asian bag mussels can dominate seabed communities

• They have a smooth, thin, fragile shell, which is olive

• They have an exterior shell pattern of dark zigzag markings

• They have an interior shell pattern of wavy purple to

• Early detection helps protect Queensland’s natural environment.

Description

Asian bag mussels (also known as Asian mussels or Asian date mussels) maximum width of 1.2 cm. Their olive green to brown shell is smooth, thin zigzag markings and radiating ridges.

Asian bag mussels cluster together in soft substrates (usually sandflats/mudflats) been known to foul hard substrates (such as ships’ hulls). In soft substrates, shell. These cocoons form a continuous ‘mat’ on the sediment.

Pest risk

The Asian bag mussel is a prohibited marine animal under the Biosecurity to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

Asian bag mussels burrow into sediments and produces protective cocoon dense mat. Mats of mussels can dramatically alter physical, chemical and

What should I do?

Slipway operators, vessels inspectors and vessel owners should regularly such as internal seawater systems.

If you think you have seen Asian bag mussels, report it immediately to Biosecurity contacts you, please take reasonable and practical steps to prevent the

Further information

Further information is available from your local government office, or by website at

Phone on 13 25 23