Marine pests

Introduced species can invade NSW marine waters through hull fouling and the discharge of ballast water. Several ports, including Sydney Harbour (Port Jackson), Botany Bay, Port Kembla, Newcastle, and Port of Eden, contain introduced marine taxa.

Many introduced species do not appear to have a significant ecological or economic impact. However, a few are listed as key marine pests targeted for management in Australia.

Known marine pests in NSW ports

Ports in NSW have recorded occurrences of:

  • Aquarium caulerpa (Caulerpa taxifolia)
  • New Zealand screw shell (Maoricolpus roseus)
  • European fan worm (Sabella spallanzanii)
  • European green shore crab (Carcinus maenas)

View the map of all known marine pest species in NSW.

Impact of marine pests

Non-native marine pests can be introduced to Australian waters through ship ballast water and biofouling on hulls. These pests pose a biodiversity and economic risk by affecting marine ecosystems, fisheries, and tourism.

Once marine pests establish, eradication is extremely difficult—if not impossible.

Managing the risks

To help manage marine pest risks, Port Authority is an active member of the NSW Marine Pests Working Group, which includes representatives from:

  • NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD)
  • NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW NSW)
  • Transport for NSW
  • NSW Ports
  • Port of Newcastle 

Ballast water

All arriving international vessels must manage their ballast water in accordance with Australian ballast water management requirements. These guidelines outline how vessel operators should manage ballast water within Australian waters to comply with the Biosecurity Act 2015.

Australia’s requirements align with the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (2004), known as the Ballast Water Management Convention, which came into force internationally on 8 September 2017.

The Department of Agriculture provides further guidance to assist operators in complying with these requirements.

These arrangements are consistent with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Convention, which Australia has signed and implemented since 2017.

Biofouling

Marine pests can also enter the environment through biofouling, the accumulation of marine organisms (plants or animals) on objects submerged in salt water, such as vessel hulls, ropes, anchors, and other equipment.

To reduce the risk of marine pests spreading via biofouling, vessel operators should incorporate biofouling management practices into routine maintenance programs.

The National Biofouling Management Guidelines for Commercial Vessels serve as a key reference for owners, operators, docking superintendents, and maintenance contract managers, particularly in the following areas:

  • Managing biofouling when operating in Australian waters
  • Preparing a vessel before arrival in Australia (or any other country) to ensure it is free of marine pests
  • Developing maintenance contracts that meet best practices in biofouling management and ensure optimal vessel performance
  • Supervising maintenance contractors to ensure compliance with biofouling management standards

In-water cleaning

The Anti-Fouling and In-Water Cleaning Guidelines apply to vessels and moveable structures, including pontoons, aquaculture installations, and navigational structures.

The guidelines consist of two parts:

  • Part 1 – Covers the application, maintenance, removal, and disposal of anti-fouling coatings at shore-based maintenance facilities.
  • Part 2 – Covers in-water cleaning. Where practical, vessels should be removed from the water for cleaning instead of conducting in-water operations. However, the guidelines recognise in-water cleaning as an option for removing some types of biofouling, provided the risks are appropriately managed.

In-Water cleaning in NSW

National In-Water Cleaning Standard
The Commonwealth Department of Agriculture is currently developing a National In-Water Cleaning Standard. This standard will outline requirements for in-water cleaning in Australian waters to ensure effective marine biosecurity management. It aims to align with international regulations, including those in New Zealand.

For in-water cleaning in Commonwealth waters, visit the Department of Agriculture.

Pesticide Plan

Under the Pesticides Regulation 2009, public authorities such as Port Authority of New South Wales must prepare a Pesticide Use Notification Plan. This plan outlines how Port Authority will notify the community about pesticide applications in public places under its control.

The Port Authority Pesticide Use Notification Plan includes:

  • Public places covered by the plan
  • Regular users of these public places and an estimate of usage levels
  • How and when the community will be informed about pesticide applications (notification arrangements)
  • How the community can access the plan and obtain further information
  • Contact details for those seeking more information about the plan.
Pesticide use notification plan
Download

If you have any questions about the Pesticide Use Notification Plan, please contact Port Authority.