Background
MarinePestPlan 2018–2023 was Australia’s first national strategic plan for marine pest biosecurity. Its implementation concluded on 30 June 2023.
The Review of MarinePestPlan 2018–2023 found that the plan was successful in improving Australia’s marine biosecurity system. Stakeholders supported a continued, nationally coordinated approach to marine pest biosecurity in Australia.
Work has commenced to develop a second MarinePestPlan.
Purpose
The second MarinePestPlan will build on the achievements of the first plan and respond to current and emerging marine pest risks to Australia. The purpose is to:
- address and adapt to the ongoing risks that marine pests pose to Australia’s marine environment, industries, food security, and communities
- provide a vision and mechanism for national coordination and shared ownership of marine pest management
- align with other national biosecurity and marine management initiatives.
Development process
The Marine Pest Sectoral Committee (MPSC) is coordinating the development of the second MarinePestPlan. It is being collaboratively developed by industry, government, researchers and non-government organisations.
Key activities completed
June to November 2025
Stakeholder engagement
A series of stakeholder engagement sessions were held with key stakeholders.
The purpose was to identify common priorities in marine pest biosecurity and opportunities for participation in the development process.
November 2025 to January 2026
MarinePestPlan Development Workshop #1
The first development workshop was held on 25 November 2025.
The workshop produced the draft vision, principles and working objectives for the second plan.
To request access to the report, email MarinePestPlan@aff.gov.au.
March 2026
MarinePestPlan Development Workshop #2 (online)
A two-hour online workshop was held on 3 March 2026.
The workshop further refined the draft vision, principles and working objectives. It also established working groups to develop activities under each working objective.
Key activities planned
March to May 2026
Developing MarinePestPlan activities
Working groups will develop the draft activities for each objective. Activities will be presented at the third development workshop.
May 2026
MarinePestPlan Development Workshop #3 (hybrid)
A third development workshop is scheduled to be held as a hybrid event on 25 May 2026 in Sydney, NSW.
The workshop will aim to confirm and agree on the activities identified for each objective.
May to August 2026
Drafting the second MarinePestPlan
The second MarinePestPlan will be drafted. It will be circulated to marine pest stakeholders for comment.
August 2026 onwards
Commenting and endorsement process of second MarinePestPlan
Formal commenting and endorsement processes will follow the activities outlined above.
Note: The types of development activities and associated timeframes may be subject to change.
Contact us
For more information email marinepestplan@aff.gov.au.