Indicator: CO-65 Correlation between various human activities and introduction of coastal and marine species
Data
The CSIRO Marine Research database invasion database records 1582 potential or actual marine and estuarine pest species worldwide that are transported in either ballast water, hull fouling samples, or on another vector. 494 of the species are known to be established in Australian waters of which: 156 are native; 129 are non-native; and 209 are cryptogenic (origin unknown). Of those that have arrived, 53 to 73 are classified as having had economic and/or environmental consequences.
The ten potential domestic target species most likely to be spread to uninfected bioregions by shipping are: Schizoporella errata (Bryozoan), Watersipora arcuata (Bryozoan), Cordylophora caspia (Hydroid), Ciona intestinalis (Sea vase), Alexandrium minutum (Dinoflagellate), Sphaeroma walkeri (Marine pill bug), Pseudopolydora paucibranchiata (Spionid polychaete), Tridentiger trigonocephalus (Japanese goby), Bugula neritina (Bryozoan)and Gymnodinium catenatum (Dinoflagellate).
Evaluations suggest that the ten most damaging species are: Gymnodinium catenatum (Dinoflagellate), Alexandrium minutum (Dinoflagellate), Asterias amurensis (Northern Pacific seastar), Sabella spallanzanii (European fan worm), Crassostrea gigas (Pacific oyster), Ciona intestinalis (Sea vase), Bugula neritina (Bryozoan), Polysiphonia brodiaei (Red macroalgae), Schizoporella errata (Bryozoan) and Codium fragile ssp. Tomentosoides (Green macroalgae).
Recent incursions of marine invasive species
Source: Warren Geeves, Unpublished, Land, Water and Coasts Division Department of the Environment and Heritage ph 02 6274 1453 warren.geeves@deh.gov.au.
Some of the incursions were the first for the species in Australia (tubeworm and Asian Green Mussel in Cairns, Black Striped Mussel in Darwin), others were most likely a translocation from elsewhere in Australia (Northern Pacific Seastar at Inverloch and Henderson's lagoon, Japanese Seaweed at Tinderbox reserve) and the two incursions Caulerpa taxifolia were of native varieties of this species which is distributed around the world. Most probably many other species expanded their range during this period.
| Potential non-native target species that are established in Australia (ballast water vector) | 23 |
| Potential cryptogenic target species that are established in Australia (ballast water vector) | 5 |
| Potential non-native target species whose establishment status in Australia is unknown (ballast water vector) | 1 |
| Potential non-native target species that are established in Australia (hull fouling vector) | 48 |
| Potential cryptogenic target species that are established in Australia (hull fouling vector) | 17 |
| Potential non-native target species whose establishment status in Australia is unknown (hull fouling vector) | 3 |
Source: Hayes, K, Sliwa, C, Migus, S, McEnnulty, F, Dunstan, P. 2005, National priority pests: Part II Ranking of Australian marine pests, Department of Environment and Heritage, viewed 1 Jul 2006, http://www.deh.gov.au/coasts/publications/imps/priority2.html.
The map shows overlays of areas of high density shipping and areas where a large number of (but not necessarily high densities of any) introduced species have been found.
Source: National Oceans Office 2006, National Marine Atlas, viewed 29 May 2006, http://www.oceans.gov.au/Non-fish%20Atlas.jsp
The map shows the overlays of introduced species data with the locations of major ports. While not all these introduced species necessarily represent pressures on resident species and ecosystems, the overlays may give some idea of the relationship between shipping and introduction of species.
Source: National Oceans Office 2006, National Marine Atlas, viewed 29 May 2006, http://www.oceans.gov.au/Non-fish%20Atlas.jsp
According to a recent report to the Department of the Environment and Heritage (DEH) by the CRC for Reefs, vectors that could facilitate the introduction and subsequent spread of introduced marine species in the Northern Planning Area (NPA) were identified and qualitatively ranked according to their level of relative risk. From this it became evident that all vectors have multiple routes, often sharing specific corridors. Ballast water and biofouling were identified to be the highest risk vectors for the NPA.
Of the 36 species of known or potential pests that, from current available information could survive and establish in the NPA, over 30 of these are considered as biofouling taxa, including the molluscs, barnacles, bryozoans, ascidians, hydroids, tube worms and crustaceans. Although these could be introduced by a range of vectors they would most likely be introduced by biofouling on vessels. The majority of introductions recorded in tropical waters to date have been the result of unintentional transfers via biofouling. Unlike southern Australia and other, international, locations there are no recorded ballast water introductions or intentional introductions resulting from mariculture, sport fishery or historical reasons.
Source: Neil, K.M.; Hillard, R.; Clark, P.; Russell, B. 2005, A Situation and Gaps Analysis of IMS, Vectors, Nodes and Management Arrangements for the Northern Planning Area, Department of the Environment and Heritage.
What the data mean
The National Marine Atlas maps do not show a very intense correlation between the high density shipping lanes and a large variety of introduced species. However, they do show that the highest numbers of introduced species seem to be reported in areas where a large number of major ports are clustered.
This finding is somewhat ambiguous. On the one hand, it would be consistent with introduction of foreign organisms primarily by shipping. Introduction of new species may, in fact, be just as frequent in the shipping lanes as in the port vicinities, but are less likely to be observed. Where these new species are introduced in the vicinities of port facilities, they are more likely to be observed. On the other hand, because the vicinities of Australian ports are generally densely populated human settlements, it would be difficult to discern whether it is the shipping, or the coastal activity, that was responsible for the introduction of the bulk of new species.
Data Limitations
The indicator shows only the spatial relationship between ports, shipping lanes and introduced species but provides no more detailed insight into the particular activity likely to be responsible for the introduction.
The data refer only to the number of different introduced species, rather than to the density of any particular species, how long it has been there, changes in its population, whether it appears to pose any threat to resident species or ecosystems, or the intensity of other anthropogenic factors that may have the potential to turn it into a threat.
At this stage, no trend data are available on changes in number of species reported around ports and along shipping lanes.
Issues for which this is an indicator and why
Coasts and Oceans — Direct pressure of human activities on coasts and oceans - Direct pressure of shipping
Species can be introduced to an ecosystem from various sources, including from fishing activities, on exploration rigs and from coastal activity. However, the principal means of introduction is believed to be from ballast water and on the hulls of ships.
While number of introduced species is not indicative of anything in its own right, some introduced species do have the capacity to impact on resident species and ecosystems, especially in combination with other anthropogenic factors. However, the correlation between intensity of shipping activity (or other marine uses) and intensity of species introduction may shed light on the relative importance of the various ways in which species are introduced to new waters.
Other indicators for this issue:
- CO-27 Number, frequency, extent and volume of oil spills from all sources
- CO-32 Number of injuries to marine animals from marine debris
- CO-50 Number of collisions with marine animals
- CO-51 Quantity of sewerage and ballast water dumped by shipping
- CO-52 Evidence or examples of impacts of channel dredging for shipping on marine life
- CO-53 Evidence or examples of noise or visual disturbance of marine species by human activities
- CO-67 Progress of the Australian shipping fleet towards meeting the targets of the International Convention on the control of harmful anti-fouling systems on ships
- LD-40 Current research into pressures and contributions of naturalised introduced species
Coasts and Oceans — Direct pressure of human activities on coasts and oceans - Pressure of fishing
Species can be introduced to an ecosystem from various sources, including from fishing activities, on exploration rigs and from coastal activity. However, the principal means of introduction is believed to be from ballast water and on the hulls of ships.
While number of introduced species is not indicative of anything in its own right, some introduced species do have the capacity to impact on resident species and ecosystems, especially in combination with other anthropogenic factors. However, the correlation between intensity of shipping activity (or other marine uses) and intensity of species introduction may shed light on the relative importance of the various ways in which species are introduced to new waters.
Other indicators for this issue:
- CO-16 Status of Australian fisheries
- CO-17 Change in species and trophic structure of fish species caught
- CO-19 Estimated tonnage taken by illegal fishing; estimated number of illegal boats, estimated number of individuals of threatened species taken
- CO-20 Non-target effects: Area of seabeds trawled
- CO-21 Non-target effects: Number and/or weight taken as bycatch, and change since introduction of exclusion devices
- CO-22 Aquaculture: extent of habitat disturbed or removed
- CO-23 Aquaculture: volume of discharged sediments and nutrients
- CO-24 Aquaculture: origin species and tonnage of stockfeed used
- CO-25 Aquaculture: instances of disease and exotic species introduction from movement of live material
- CO-32 Number of injuries to marine animals from marine debris
- CO-53 Evidence or examples of noise or visual disturbance of marine species by human activities
- CO-62 Estimated number of marine animals harvested by recreational fishers
- CO-63 Estimated number of marine animals harvested by indigenous fishers
- AAT-19 Annual catch in tonnes of marine species harvested in Australian Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters - legal and illegal
- AAT-20 Fishing by-catch numbers and/or weight taken as bycatch
- LD-40 Current research into pressures and contributions of naturalised introduced species
- BD-09 The change in extent of selected nationally significant invasive species
Coasts and Oceans — Direct pressure of human activities on coasts and oceans - Direct pressures of harvesting non-living materials
Species can be introduced to an ecosystem from various sources, including from fishing activities, on exploration rigs and from coastal activity. However, the principal means of introduction is believed to be from ballast water and on the hulls of ships.
While number of introduced species is not indicative of anything in its own right, some introduced species do have the capacity to impact on resident species and ecosystems, especially in combination with other anthropogenic factors. However, the correlation between intensity of shipping activity (or other marine uses) and intensity of species introduction may shed light on the relative importance of the various ways in which species are introduced to new waters.
Other indicators for this issue:
- CO-26 Extent of potential habitat disturbance by well rigs sites, pipelines etc
- CO-27 Number, frequency, extent and volume of oil spills from all sources
- CO-32 Number of injuries to marine animals from marine debris
- CO-48 Area disturbed/potentially disturbed by seismic surveys
- CO-53 Evidence or examples of noise or visual disturbance of marine species by human activities
- CO-64 Quantity of various substances discharged by offshore extraction activities
- LD-40 Current research into pressures and contributions of naturalised introduced species
- BD-09 The change in extent of selected nationally significant invasive species
Coasts and Oceans — Direct pressure of human activities on coasts and oceans - Direct pressure of coastal activities (other than shipping and fishing)
Species can be introduced to an ecosystem from various sources, including from fishing activities, on exploration rigs and from coastal activity. However, the principal means of introduction is believed to be from ballast water and on the hulls of ships.
While number of introduced species is not indicative of anything in its own right, some introduced species do have the capacity to impact on resident species and ecosystems, especially in combination with other anthropogenic factors. However, the correlation between intensity of shipping activity (or other marine uses) and intensity of species introduction may shed light on the relative importance of the various ways in which species are introduced to new waters.
Other indicators for this issue:
- CO-27 Number, frequency, extent and volume of oil spills from all sources
- CO-28 Quantity of discharges of different substances from humans activities to coastal and marine waters
- CO-29 Change in area of coastal potential acid sulphate soils under development for human use
- CO-30 Length and area of coastal and estuarine foreshore altered for human purposes
- CO-32 Number of injuries to marine animals from marine debris
- CO-44 Marine chlorophyll concentration
- CO-46 Comparative water quality of coastal lakes and lagoons (water quality gradient from north to south)
- CO-53 Evidence or examples of noise or visual disturbance of marine species by human activities
- CO-60 Sea salinity
- IW-12 Catchment nitrogen and phosphorus load
- HS-05 Total population and distribution
- IW-19 Exceedance of total nitrogen and phosphorus water quality triggers
- LD-40 Current research into pressures and contributions of naturalised introduced species
- BD-09 The change in extent of selected nationally significant invasive species
- BD-10 Examples of native species whose populations have declined where various invasive species have established resident populations
Biodiversity — Pressures on biodiversity - Pressures on marine biodiversity: pressures of fishing
Introduction of foreign species via fishing related activities is a pressure on marine biodiversity. The correlation between intensity of fishing activity (or other marine uses) and intensity of species introduction may shed light on the relative importance of the various ways in which species are introduced to new waters.
Other indicators for this issue:
- CO-16 Status of Australian fisheries
- CO-17 Change in species and trophic structure of fish species caught
- CO-19 Estimated tonnage taken by illegal fishing; estimated number of illegal boats, estimated number of individuals of threatened species taken
- CO-20 Non-target effects: Area of seabeds trawled
- CO-21 Non-target effects: Number and/or weight taken as bycatch, and change since introduction of exclusion devices
- CO-22 Aquaculture: extent of habitat disturbed or removed
- CO-23 Aquaculture: volume of discharged sediments and nutrients
- CO-24 Aquaculture: origin species and tonnage of stockfeed used
- CO-25 Aquaculture: instances of disease and exotic species introduction from movement of live material
- CO-62 Estimated number of marine animals harvested by recreational fishers
- CO-63 Estimated number of marine animals harvested by indigenous fishers
- AAT-20 Fishing by-catch numbers and/or weight taken as bycatch
- AAT-19 Annual catch in tonnes of marine species harvested in Australian Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters - legal and illegal
Biodiversity — Pressures on biodiversity - Pressures on marine biodiversity: pressures of shipping
Shipping is a principal means whereby new species are introduced to marine areas. New species can potentially become invasive and impact on resident biodiversity.
Other indicators for this issue:
- CO-27 Number, frequency, extent and volume of oil spills from all sources
- CO-32 Number of injuries to marine animals from marine debris
- CO-50 Number of collisions with marine animals
- CO-51 Quantity of sewerage and ballast water dumped by shipping
- CO-52 Evidence or examples of impacts of channel dredging for shipping on marine life
- CO-53 Evidence or examples of noise or visual disturbance of marine species by human activities
- CO-67 Progress of the Australian shipping fleet towards meeting the targets of the International Convention on the control of harmful anti-fouling systems on ships
- LD-40 Current research into pressures and contributions of naturalised introduced species
Biodiversity — Pressures on biodiversity - Pressures on marine biodiversity: pressures of energy and mineral exploration and extraction
Oil rigs have been identified as one of the means whereby new species are introduced to marine areas where they may impact on marine biodiversity.
Other indicators for this issue:
- CO-26 Extent of potential habitat disturbance by well rigs sites, pipelines etc
- CO-27 Number, frequency, extent and volume of oil spills from all sources
- CO-28 Quantity of discharges of different substances from humans activities to coastal and marine waters
- CO-32 Number of injuries to marine animals from marine debris
- CO-48 Area disturbed/potentially disturbed by seismic surveys
- CO-53 Evidence or examples of noise or visual disturbance of marine species by human activities
- CO-64 Quantity of various substances discharged by offshore extraction activities
Biodiversity — Pressures on biodiversity - Pressures on marine biodiversity: pressures of coastal activities
New species with the potential to place pressure on resident biodiversity can be introduced via a range of coastal activities, including companion animals escaped or released from captivity and micro-organisms released through sewerage systems.
Other indicators for this issue:
- CO-27 Number, frequency, extent and volume of oil spills from all sources
- CO-28 Quantity of discharges of different substances from humans activities to coastal and marine waters
- CO-29 Change in area of coastal potential acid sulphate soils under development for human use
- CO-30 Length and area of coastal and estuarine foreshore altered for human purposes
- CO-32 Number of injuries to marine animals from marine debris
- CO-44 Marine chlorophyll concentration
- CO-46 Comparative water quality of coastal lakes and lagoons (water quality gradient from north to south)
- CO-53 Evidence or examples of noise or visual disturbance of marine species by human activities
- CO-60 Sea salinity
- IW-12 Catchment nitrogen and phosphorus load
- IW-19 Exceedance of total nitrogen and phosphorus water quality triggers
- HS-05 Total population and distribution
Biodiversity — Utilisation and value of biodiversity - Harvesting and trade in wildlife
Harvesting of wild fish is a primary means whereby news species are introduced into Australian waters.
Other indicators for this issue:
- BD-23 Some selected nationally significant native terrestrial species subjected to harvesting and population trends
- LD-10 Number of compounds from terrestrial sources at some stage of commercial development
- CO-07 Australian fisheries production - national tonnage and value of retained catch
- CO-09 Number of compounds from coastal and marine sources at some stage of commercial development
- CO-16 Status of Australian fisheries
- CO-17 Change in species and trophic structure of fish species caught
- CO-19 Estimated tonnage taken by illegal fishing; estimated number of illegal boats, estimated number of individuals of threatened species taken
- CO-20 Non-target effects: Area of seabeds trawled
- CO-21 Non-target effects: Number and/or weight taken as bycatch, and change since introduction of exclusion devices
- CO-32 Number of injuries to marine animals from marine debris
- CO-62 Estimated number of marine animals harvested by recreational fishers
- CO-63 Estimated number of marine animals harvested by indigenous fishers
- AAT-19 Annual catch in tonnes of marine species harvested in Australian Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters - legal and illegal
- AAT-20 Fishing by-catch numbers and/or weight taken as bycatch
Biodiversity — Pressures on biodiversity - Pressures on marine biodiversity: Pressures on coasts and oceans arising from multiple causes
The full range of human activities involving the coasts and oceans can result in the introduction of new species that could potentially place pressure on marine biodiversity.
Other indicators for this issue:
- CO-27 Number, frequency, extent and volume of oil spills from all sources
- CO-32 Number of injuries to marine animals from marine debris
- CO-44 Marine chlorophyll concentration
- CO-53 Evidence or examples of noise or visual disturbance of marine species by human activities
Further Information
- National priority pests: Part II Ranking of Australian marine pests (PDF - 3.3 KB)
- Marine incursions (XLS - 52 KB)
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