Biofouling: major vector of marine species introduced to Australia
A report describing the contribution of biofouling and ballast water to the introduction of invasive species to Australian waters is now available at www.marinepests.gov.au/publications.
This report provides a summary of the primary vectors by which invasive marine species are moved between domestic and overseas locations. The vectors considered include ballast water, biofouling, aquaculture and aquarium operations.
The report demonstrated that up to 70% of the species known to have been introduced to Australian waters have most likely arrived as biofouling.
This report was commissioned by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to support the development of national biofouling management policy.