Marine pest wakame detection in South Australia
by Boating Industry Association 4 Oct 2023 23:17 PDT
Marine pest wakame detection in South Australia © Boating Industry Association
SA Department of Primary Industries has issued an alert that the marine pest, wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) has recently been detected at the Robe and Cape Jaffa marinas in SA.
Wakame is a non-native brown seaweed that can rapidly colonise and dominate disturbed areas and artificial structures (e.g., marinas and boat ramps). Wakame is listed on the Australian Priority Marine Pest List and is listed as noxious in SA under the Fisheries Management Act 2007.
What can you do to limit the spread of wakame?
Biofouling on the hulls of vessels is the main introduction pathway for wakame. Good vessel cleaning practices minimise biofouling and reduce the risk of marine pests being attached to your vessel. These include:
- Cleaning your vessel (hull and niche areas) before leaving for new destinations. By cleaning your vessel at a slipway, you reduce the risk of marine pests being transported through the buildup of vessel biofouling.
- Regularly inspecting your vessel, cleaning areas prone to biofouling and checking the hull and niche areas such as internal sea water systems, anodes, docking strips, sea chests, pipe openings, propellers, shafts and rudders.
- Drying and maintaining your marine equipment. Allow 48 hours for your cleaned equipment to fully dry before moving to another area of the state.
- Remove all entangled seaweed and other organisms from ropes, anchors, buoys and other equipment.
If you identify a suspected marine pest you are encouraged to contact FISHWATCH on 1800 065 522.