ASFB Home > 2003 > Biological Invasions: Consequences for Parasites, Pathogens, Emerging Diseases, and Fisheries in the Marine Environment.

Baseline evaluation and monitoring of marine invasions in Australia and New Zealand

Chad Hewitt¹ and Graeme Inglis²

Ministry of Fisheries, PO Box 1020, Wellington, New Zealand,
²National Centre for Aquatic Biodiversity and Biosecurity, NIWA Ltd, PO Box 8602, Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
Email: Chad.Hewitt@fish.govt.nz

The extent of biological introductions into coastal marine waters has become increasingly apparent in recent years. Numerous evaluations of regional and local areas have resulted in a broad understanding of the current state, however poor baselines and a lack of consistency in approach prevent significant progress in identifying the underlying patterns of marine bioinvasions. Two national programmes of systematic baseline evaluations of high risk entry points (ports and marinas) has been established in Australia (1995 – present) and New Zealand (2000-present). These programmes have utilised consistent methodologies, surveying multiple habitats with a known level of rigour. To date, 34 ports (~55% of first entry ports) in Australia have been surveyed by over 14 organisations, while in New Zealand 13 ports and 3 marinas of first entry have been surveyed by NIWA under contract to the Ministry of Fisheries. These surveys provide a broad increase in both native and exotic biodiversity understanding. The need to explicitly link baseline survey outcomes with policy development and management activities is the next phase of an ongoing process.

Room 1 Monday 11.20 am