NSW recreational boat owner survey – marine pests

Marine pests are typically non-native species that arrive from overseas. However, marine pests can also be transported within Australia, and in some cases the pests might actually be native to some parts of Australia. Marine pests tend to reproduce rapidly and spread widely causing ecological, social and economic impacts.

The boat owner survey showed that Lake Macquarie, Pittwater, Hawkesbury, Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour) and Botany Bay are well linked by recreational boat traffic. Only 16% of respondents travelled outside of NSW with their vessels. The most popular interstate destinations were, in order, the Gold Coast (Southport), Hamilton Island, Hobart, the Whitsundays, Mooloolaba, Gold Coast and Airlie Beach. Only 2% of respondents travelled overseas and most went to Noumea or Auckland.

The majority of boat owners who keep their boats moored, at a berth, or jetty, antifoul their boats every 12 months (69%), or every 18 months (18%). Only 2% indicated that they never antifoul their boats.

A number of boaters indicated their lack of awareness about the threat of marine pests and the need for a number of initiatives including a comprehensive education program, signage at areas for launching, adequate wash down and pump out facilities at boat ramps, and compulsory wash down requirements.

Many respondents were not sure what constituted a marine pest, and were unaware that species that are native to other parts of Australia could also be considered to be introduced. Some boaters also confused dangerous animals or animals which sting such as sting rays, jellyfish, and razor shells, with pests.

The survey results have been used to inform a comprehensive marine pest risk assessment (including other means of transporting marine pests) being completed by NSW DPI in partnership with SMCMA, and an education program to be conducted by the SMCMA for boaters and recreational fishers in the Sydney Metropolitan region.

For more information on the boat owner survey please visit the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority website at: http://www.sydney.cma.nsw.gov.au

Keep your boat and fishing gear clean to help stop the spread of marine pests

NSW’s marine life is under threat from introduced marine plants and animals. These marine pests can also have severe impacts on our recreational boating, fishing, and the maritime industries.

The pest seaweed Caulerpa taxifolia has already become established in Sydney and on the Central and South Coasts and action needs to be taken to avoid other pest species arriving and becoming established in our estuaries. A recent study identified key pests which have a high risk of being transferred to Sydney's waterways by boating traffic from southern NSW and other states, such as the Asian bag mussel, northern Pacific seastar, European green shore crab and Japanese kelp.

Marine pests can affect your boat

• They damage the paint and hull where they attach
• They increase drag and therefore fuel costs
• They increase maintenance costs
• They clog pipes, motors or propellers causing engine overheating

Marine pests can affect your fishing

• They increase pressure on fish populations by competing for food, damaging their habitats, or preying on them
• A pest outbreak can result in fishing bans to stop the pests spreading further
• The northern Pacific seastar can even steal your bait!

How can you help?

Check and clean your boat regularly to make sure you are not spreading pests.

For further information visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/pests-diseases

More information will be available online and in print over the coming months.

If you are interested in having a short presentation to your club or organisation about marine pests, and are located in the Sydney area, please contact Erin Dixon on 9895 7428 or erin.dixon@cma.nsw.gov.au

This marine pests educational program is being run as part of a Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority project, with the assistance of NSW Maritime and other partners and with funding from the Australian Government and Natural Resources Advisory Council.