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

Invaders in the North – an Appraisal of Queensland’s Strategic Approach to Pest Fish Management

Rachel Mackenzie

Senior Fisheries Scientist (Acting), Queensland Fisheries Service, GPO Box 46, Brisbane QLD 4001
Email: Rachel.Mackenzie@dpi.qld.gov.au

Invasive fish species have long been considered a problem in Queensland with 17 species forming self-sustaining populations in Queensland waters. The Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) established a project in 1999 to develop a strategy for controlling these fish. Controlling Exotic Pest Fishes – an operational strategy for Queensland Freshwaters 2000-2005 (the strategy) was released in early 2001 and has been progressively implemented since that time.

QFS have worked very closely with the community and industry in the management of invasive species and the pest fish project has had some notable successes. These include a well-recognised state-wide education program and the installation of multi-million dollar screens on impoundments to prevent inter-basin transfer. In recognition of the increasing rate of fish smuggling into Queensland, a process has been developed to amend the current legislation to ensure that it is enforceable, accepted by the community and industry and scientifically valid.

This workshop will explore the reasons for these successes and some of the challenges encountered whilst implementing the strategy. The future policy direction of the pest fish program will also be discussed as QFS intends to manage pest fish within a wider habitat management framework. This holistic approach to habitat management will incorporate many of the approaches to community engagement and education developed during the pest fish project.

Room 1 Tuesday 2.45 pm