We work across industry and government to prevent, detect and control marine pest threats.
Committee
The Marine Pest Sectoral Committee coordinates a national approach to marine pest biosecurity.
Members of the committee:
- Australian Government (2 members)
- state and territory governments (1 from each state and the Northern Territory)
- New Zealand Government (standing observer)
- technical or scientific expert (3 observers).
Chairperson is selected by the membership. They are appointed for a 2-year term.
Purpose
Coordinate efforts across government. Develop a shared approach to stop to spread of marine pests.
Key activities to achieve this goal:
- advocate to government on the impact of marine pests on our oceans and marine industries
- develop, coordinate and monitor national activities to address marine pest risks
- provide scientific and policy advice on marine pests to the National Biosecurity Committee
- support and enhance national capacity to respond to marine pest outbreaks
- engage with stakeholders to support these objectives.
Read more about our work in our communiqués.
Governance
Face-to-face meetings are held twice a year. Extra teleconference sessions are held as required.
Member jurisdictions host the meetings. Secretariat support is provided by the Department of Agriculture.
Read the committee terms of reference.
Shared responsibilities
We share responsibility for managing marine pests with national and local agencies.
Industry groups also take an active role. Stopping the spread of marine pests is good business for marine industries.
National
- Department of Agriculture
- Department of Environment and Energy
- Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities
- Department of Defence, Defence Science and Technology Organisation
- CSIRO
- Australian Maritime Safety Authority
- NOPSEMA
- Australian Fisheries Management Authority
Local government
- New South Wales: Department of Primary Industries
- Northern Territory: Department of Primary Industry and Resources
- Queensland: Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
- South Australia: Primary Industries and Regions of South Australia
- Tasmania: Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment
- Victoria: Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources
- Western Australia: Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development