Marine pests can enter NSW from numerous locations and via numerous vectors. To reduce the risk of marine pests arriving and to maximise the chances of detecting marine pests before they become established (and difficult to eradicate) a risk assessment was required to determine the highest sources of risk and to target management efforts such as education of vector managers and field surveys.


Stage 1 involved the analysis and review of biological data on marine pest species and shipping and boating movements into and around NSW.  The Department of Primary Industries Science and Research Division was engaged to carry out this stage of the project. This project identified the most likely means by which a range of high profile marine pests might arrive in estuaries within the SMCMA area and determined whether it is possible for these species to reproduce in Sydney ?s estuaries.  

The results of the one-year study will allow the NSW Government to prioritise which pests should be searched for in each estuary, and identify vessels from particular countries that should be targeted for hull inspections for pests.

To read the major findings, download a copy of the Marine Pest Risk Assessment, titled "Assessing likelihoods of marine pest introductions in Sydney estuaries: A transport vector approach".


To inform the risk assessment, a survey of recreational boat owners was conducted by consultants. The survey provided information on the movements of recreational boats & yachts, and boat cleaning and maintenance practices, to determine the potential for marine pest transport in NSW.  To read the major findings, download a copy of the NSW Recreational Boat and Yacht Owner Survey.