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Marine pests
There are over 200 marine pests reported in Australian waters, most of which were introduced accidentally by shipping and aquaculture activities.
Marine plants and animals can be transported across thousands of kilometres of ocean on the hulls of vessels and in the ballast water of ships. Most of these organisms will not survive the journey, and those that do survive will not cope with the conditions of their new environment.
Only a few of the marine species that have been introduced are considered pests. They threaten native biodiversity, commerical fisheries and aquaculture industries, and greatly increase maintenance requirements for vessels. These pests may also interfere with port activities.
