Own a boat? Help stop the spread of marine pests and disease.
Vessel owners are being urged to help play a role in stopping the spread of marine pests and disease through management of vessel biofouling and ballast water.
Biofouling and ballast water can introduce new marine pests and diseases to Australia, or spread pests established interstate to South Australian waters. More than 250 exotic marine organisms have been introduced into Australian waters by vessels of all types – from yachts to commercial ships – and up to 75 per cent of these are likely to have arrived as biofouling organisms attached to the external and internal surfaces of vessels.
Marine pests are usually highly adaptable, multiply rapidly, compete with native species and devastate the marine environment. They can also be hosts for infectious and notifiable diseases and are virtually impossible to eradicate once established.
Marine pests and diseases threaten the sustainability of South Australian coastal industries, commercial and recreational fishing, aquaculture, tourism and the health of the marine environment. It’s vital that all water users take action to minimise this threat.
It is illegal to bring noxious or notifiable diseases into South Australia, or to release exotic species into our waters.
Vessel owners play an important role in helping prevent the spread of marine pest species and diseases by adopting good vessel cleaning and maintenance practices. It is important to follow the relevant guidelines and understand your obligations.
Effective vessel management includes:
Keeping your vessel free of biofouling also provides other benefits, such as increased vessel performance and reduces costs through better fuel economy and extended life of gear.
Help play your part in protecting our marine environment.
Contact:
Phone:
Email:
28 Mar 2024
SOUTH AUSTRALIA – GULF ST VINCENT – PORT GAWLER - RESEARCH EQUIPMENT DEPLOYED
27 Mar 2024
Our March 2024 Marine Safety SA Newsletter is available here.
22 Mar 2024
SOUTH AUSTRALIA – KINGSCOTE – KANGAROO ISLAND - RESEARCH EQUIPMENT DEPLOYED
22 Mar 2024
SOUTH AUSTRALIA – COFFIN BAY – RESEARCH EQUIPMENT DEPLOYED
Flares are an essential emergency item. See how to store and set them off safely. And remember, flares expire. Find more info about flares here.
Here a Marine Safety Officer takes us through how to check if your inflatable lifejacket is safe and up to standard. Find out which lifejacket you need here.
A Marine Safety Officer gives expert advice on how to use an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, or EPIRB.
Subscribe to our e-newsletter for latest news, information and changes.
Flares are an essential emergency item. See how to store and set them off safely. And remember, flares expire. Find more info about flares here.
Here a Marine Safety Officer takes us through how to check if your inflatable lifejacket is safe and up to standard. Find out which lifejacket you need here.
A Marine Safety Officer gives expert advice on how to use an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, or EPIRB.