Marine Pests in Southern NSW

Keeping your boat and gear clean will • Save money on fuel • Increase boat performance • Stop the spread of marine pests Photo by Helen Davies by Photo Northern Pacific seastar

Keep your boat and fishing gear Marine pests can affect your boat clean to help stop the spread of • They damage the paint and hull marine pests where they attach • They increase drag and therefore NSW’s marine life faces threats fuel costs from introduced marine plants • They increase maintenance costs and animals. Marine pests can also • They clog pipes, motors or have severe impacts on recreational propellers causing engine Mussels on propeller/ boating and fishing and marine overheating engine shaft industries. Japanese seaweed Marine pests can affect your fishing Pristine south coast estuaries are a haven for both recreational • They increase pressure on fish populations by competing boaters and fishers. NSW Department of Primary Industries for food, damaging their habitats, or preying on them (NSW DPI, formerly Industry and Investment NSW) is • They can displace native fish populations working collaboratively with the Southern Rivers Catchment • A pest outbreak can result in fishing closures to stop the Management Authority (SRCMA) and local government to pest spreading further provide environmental educational programs to ensure that the • The Northern Pacific seastar can even steal your bait! beauty of the natural environment and the associated economic and social benefits to surrounding communities remain. How you can help! Check and clean your boat and fishing gear regularly using The seaweed Caulerpa taxifolia and the simple steps on pages 4 to 9, to make sure you are not the European shore crab are two marine pest species that have known spreading pests or introduced fouling species. established populations in some You may be carrying marine pests on your boat or fishing estuaries on the south coast, and gear. You could unknowingly be spreading them to your action needs to be taken to avoid other favourite destinations. Cleaning your boat and fishing gear pest species arriving and becoming will help stop the spread of marine pests. It will also reduce established. Other potential invasive your fuel costs and increase the life of your boat and gear. species to keep a look out for include the Asian bag mussel, Northern Pacific Learn to identify important existing or potential marine pests – Caulerpa taxifolia seastar and Japanese seaweed. see pages 10 to 23 for some pests already in NSW and . If you see existing pests in new locations or new suspected marine pests in NSW, please report them immediately! NSW DPI’s 24hr recorded aquatic pest hotline (02) 4916 3877 email: [email protected] Note the location and take photos or collect a sample and freeze in a plastic bag to enable NSW DPI to confirm your sighting.

For more information on these and other potential pests, please visit: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au

2 Photo by Helen Davies. 3 Follow these simple steps to make sure pests aren’t hitchhiking on your gear!

FISHING EQUIPMENT A mild detergent may be used to clean porous equipment such as shoes/boots, soft foam or cork rod handles and It is important to clean your fishing gear when leaving a waders. location to remove any potential fragments of unwanted marine pests before using your gear in a different location. How anglers can help prevent the spread of pests! Put any debris into a sealed bag in a rubbish bin to avoid Recreational anglers are often the first to notice new or spreading aquatic pests. suspected pest species in NSW waterways and can provide valuable information on new incursions of aquatic pests by Fishing equipment includes any gear likely to get wet when reporting new sightings to NSW DPI immediately. fishing such as fishing rods, waders, tackle boxes, shoes/ boots etc. • Don’ t transfer live fish between waterways and don’t use live fish as bait in freshwater or any fish or any part Follow these 4 simple steps! of a fish not native to the waters of NSW (other than 1 . Thoroughly CHECK all equipment and remove any dead carp) – it’s illegal! weeds, marine organisms or sediment, and place in the • Don’t return aquatic pests including vegetation (such bin NOT back in the water. as Caulerpa taxifolia) to the water - if you catch or find a 2. CLEAN all equipment in freshwater. known pest species dispose of it appropriately. 3. DRAIN the water from equipment away from any waterway. 4. Leave to DRY in direct sunlight (some equipment may take several days to dry completely).

Wash your fishing rods/reels in freshwater after each use. Photo by Debra Ballagh Use mild detergent to clean boating equipment. Photo by Debra Ballagh 4 5 Follow these simple steps to make sure pests aren’t hitchhiking on your boat!

TRAILER BOATS, CANOES, KAYAKS, JETSKIS 3 . DRAIN all the water from your boat and gear, but don’t let it drain back into the sea. It is important to clean your vessel after leaving a location to ensure that you aren’t carrying any unwanted marine pests 4. Dry your boat and gear completely, including ropes and or introduced fouling species to your next location. Follow anchor. Tiny eggs and plant spores can survive in a damp these 4 key steps to keep your boat and gear clean area for months. and dry. Target the areas shown in the diagram.

Follow these 4 simple steps! 1. CHECK for and remove any weeds, animals or sediment from your boat, trailer and gear and put it in the bin – not back in the water.

2. After each trip CLEAN your boat, trailer and gear with freshwater, in your yard or at a carwash. If you can’t do this because of water restrictions go to the next step.

Diagram and photos courtesy of BIA VIC

6 7 Follow these simple steps to make sure pests aren’t hitchhiking on your boat!

Moored boats 2. Select an antifouling paint suited to your boat’s activity, and apply it correctly following the manufacturer’s Moored boats present several niche areas for marine advice. Renew it when persistent fouling occurs. pests and introduced fouling species to settle and grow undetected beneath the water level. It’s crucial to make sure 3. Check your boat for fouling every month (any plants or your boat is clean before you move it to ensure unwanted animals attached to your hull, propellers, anchor, cables, marine pests are not carried into a new location. Follow fenders, cordage, tenders etc). these 5 key steps and target the areas shown in the diagram. 4. Treat internal seawater systems regularly – flush with Follow these 5 simple steps! freshwater or an approved treatment. 1. Slip and clean your boat regularly, at least every year 5. Dispose of sewage and bilge water at an approved and anytime there is a build up of fouling. pump out facility. Waste could contain marine pests, their eggs or plant spores.

Diagram and photos courtesy of BIA VIC 8 9 Marine Pest found in NSW Similar Native Species

Caulerpa filiformis C aULERPA KEY FEATURES: Flattened strap-like fronds Caulerpa taxifolia (not fern-like) HABITAT: Exposed and sheltered rocky Frond height 3-25cm reef and sandy areas, to 6m depth Flattened fronds, bright Common between Port green colour. Known to turn Stephens and pale & white during winter Photo: David Harasti in colder waters Caulerpa scalpelliformis Leaflets on fronds attach directly opposite each other, KEY FEATURES: curve upwards Fern-like fronds with leaflets either side of fronds not Leaflets constricted at base directly opposite each other HABITAT: Exposed rocky reef to 36m depth

Photo: NSW DPI

Photo: John Huisman, Marine Plants of Australia KNOWN LOCATIONS: HABITAT: Caulerpa flexilis Found in several NSW estuaries • Sand or rock in sheltered and KEY FEATURES: and coastal lakes including: moderately exposed areas Fern-like branchlets with • Has not been found in depths secondary leaflets greater than 12m in NSW HABITAT: Exposed rocky reef to IMPACTS: 40m depth • May compete with native More common in deeper seagrasses water • May adversely affect shellfish

St Georges Basin living in sediments Photo: John Huisman, Marine Plants of Australia • Entangles in boat anchors, Caulerpa cactoides Inlet fishing nets and trawling gear KEY FEATURES: Short rounded club-like Durras Lake leaflets Clyde River / HABITAT: Wallagoot Lake Sheltered and less exposed Also found in SA sand, mud and rock surfaces up to 38m depth

Photo: John Huisman, Marine Plants of Australia

Report new locationS See NSW DPI website for up-to-date information www.dpi.nsw.gov.au

10 11 Marine Pest found in NSW Similar Native Species

Four-lobed swimming crab Thalamita sima EUROPEAN/GREEN SHORE CRAB KEY FEATURES: Carcinus maenas Has swimming paddles 5 spines either side of eyes Green/yellow colour 5 spines on either side of eyes HABITAT: Sheltered reef and sand up Shell width up to 9cm to 34m depth Green or brown upper surface Photo: Graham Edgar, Australian Marine Life No swimming paddles Surf crab/Sand crab Ovalipes australiensis KEY FEATURES: Two red oval patches towards the rear Light grey/sand colour

Photo: © CSIRO HABITAT: Sandy beaches up to 34m depth KNOWN LOCATIONS: HABITAT:

Clyde River / Batemans Bay • Shallow intertidal areas of bays Photo: Graham Edgar, Australian Marine Life and estuaries Red swimmer crab Candlagan Creek • Typically amongst rocks with Nectocarcinus integrifrons Coila Lake oysters or in mangroves Wagonga Inlet KEY FEATURES: Purple-red/brown colour Nangudga Lake IMPACTS: 4 spines either side of eyes Corunna Lake • Competes with native species Slightly hairy, claws black at Tilba Tilba Lake • Feeds on native shellfish and tips, no swimming paddles other crabs Cuttagee Lake • Potential impacts on HABITAT: Wapengo Lake aquaculture and fisheries Sheltered seagrass and seaweed up to 20m depth Nelson Lagoon Photo: © Leon Altoff Lake Pambula Lake Red bait crab Curalo Lagoon Plagusia chabrus Twofold Bay KEY FEATURES: Shadracks Creek Hairy body and legs with spines on legs / Kiah Inlet Red/brown/orange colour Fisheries Creek Shell up to 7cm wide Wonboyn Lake Deeply notched between Photo: Michael Marmach, Museum the eyes Nadgee Lake HABITAT: Also found in SA, Vic, Tas Prefers subtidal reefs up to 8m depth

Report new locationS See NSW DPI website for up-to-date information www.dpi.nsw.gov.au

12 13 Marine Pest found in NSW Similar Native Species

Feather-duster worm/Banded fan worm/Southern fan worm EUROPEAN FAN WORM Sabellastarte australiensis Sabella spallanzanii KEY FEATURES: Feeding tentacles not spiralled, up to 15cm diameter Fan colour varies: white/ Banded white and purple/brown orange/brown HABITAT: Exposed rocky reefs up to 30m Fan often has brightly depth banded colours Photo: Roger Steene Feeding tentacles (radiole) form spiralled fan up to Anemone horseshoe worm 20cm long Phoronis australis KEY FEATURES: Flexible tube up to 40cm Velvet black colour, tube length up to 20cm HABITAT: Silty/sandy sheltered areas, up to 30m depth Photo: © CSIRO

Photo: David Harasti KNOWN LOCATIONS: • Twofold Bay, NSW Sabellastarte sp • WA, SA, Vic, Tas KEY FEAURES: HABITAT: Feeding tentacles not spiralled Banded white/purple/orange/ • Sheltered waters up to 30m depth brown • Soft sediments and hard surfaces such Shorter tube up to 5cm as wharf/marina piles, channel markers, Usually solitary not in clumps submerged wrecks and pontoons HABITAT: IMPACTS: Exposed rocky reef and artificial structures in areas of good • Fouls artificial structures and soft Photo: Mark Norman, Museum Victoria current flow, up to 200m depth sediments • Competes for food and space with native species and can inhibit their settlement • Clogs dredges and nets increasing sorting times for commercial fishers

Report new locationS See NSW DPI website for up-to-date information www.dpi.nsw.gov.au

14 15 Marine Pest found in NSW Similar Native Species

Mud whelk NEW ZEALAND SCREW SHELL Velacumantus australis KEY FEATURES: Maoricolpus roseus Broader, rough spiralled shell up to 2-5cm long Dull grey colour Smooth spiralled cone (no HABITAT: beads) up to 9cm long Soft sediments in sheltered waters, estuaries, mangroves, tidal flats, Yellow/red-brown in colour, seagrasses often marbled or streaked

Photo: Patty Jansen, Australian Shells

Native screw shell Gazameda gunnii KEY FEATURES: Shorter shell up to 5-6cm long More mottled appearance, lighter Photo: © CSIRO colouration – white/light brown Has fine beads forming ridges around the shell KNOWN LOCATIONS: • Twofold Bay and continental HABITAT: shelf off Merimbula and Inner continental shelf at depths to 140m Bermagui, NSW • Vic and Tas

HABITAT: Photo: Holly Barlow, Australian Museum • Lying on, or partially buried in sand, mud or gravel Hercules club whelk/Mud whelk • Intertidal to subtidal Pyrazus ebeninus Photo: © CSIRO • From 1-130m depth KEY FEATURES: Dark brown shell with flaring lip IMPACTS: Up to 11cm long • Densely blankets sea floor with HABITAT: live and dead shells Mudflats and mangrove swamps in • Can affect growth of scallops estuaries and displace native shellfish

Photo: Patty Jansen, Australian Shells

Report new locationS See NSW DPI website for up-to-date information www.dpi.nsw.gov.au

16 17 Marine Pest found IN AUSTRALIA Similar Native Species

Irregular seastar NORTHERN PACIFIC SEASTAR Smilasterias irregularis KEY FEATURES: Asterias amurensis Five arms with radius up to 6.5cm Colour ranges pink/red/brown/ Five pointed arms with radius grey up to 23cm Pointed but no upturned tips HABITAT: Upturned tips, pointed spines Sheltered reef up to 30m depth (two rows on underside) Photo: Graham Edgar, Australian Marine Life Southern NSW coastline Juveniles are yellow with purple markings (adults more Granular/Zig zag seastar yellow) Uniophora granifera KEY FEATURES: Five blunt tipped arms Radius up to 12cm Orange with purple spines HABITAT:

Photo: © CSIRO Sheltered reef, silt, seagrass up to 30m depth Entire NSW coastline Photo: David Harasti

Many-pored seastar Fromia polypora KEY FEATURES: Five arms with radius up to 11cm Bright orange/yellow with black pores HABITAT: Exposed reef up to 160m Diagram: © CSIRO

KNOWN LOCATIONS: IMPACTS: Photo: www.rling.com • Found in Vic and Tas • Voracious predator, consumes • Not known to occur in NSW many bivalves and other small invertebrates HABITAT: • Impacts aquaculture and • All surfaces such as mud, sand fisheries and rock in sheltered areas • Intertidal zone up to 25m depth, occasionally to 200m depth

Report new locationS See NSW DPI website for up-to-date information www.dpi.nsw.gov.au

18 19 Marine Pest found IN AUSTRALIA Similar Native Species

Cray weed/Strap weed JAPANESE SEAWEED Phyllospora comosa KEY FEATURES: Undaria pinnatifida No midrib or base Long strand-like fronds with sawtooth edge, air sacks for floats Up to 3m tall Can grow up to 1-3m tall HABITAT: Exposed rocky reef up to Green-brown fronds 20m depth

Leaves stop short Photo: John Huisman, Marine Plants of of base Australia

Frilly base Common kelp Ecklonia radiata Holdfast KEY FEATURES: No midrib or base Often has spines, brown fronds, up to 2m tall Photo: © CSIRO Appearance varies with depth (longer, smoother fronds in deep water) KNOWN LOCATIONS: • Tas and Vic HABITAT: Moderately exposed rocky reefs up • Not known to occur in NSW to 44m depth HABITAT: Photo: John Huisman, Marine Plants of Australia • Sheltered temperate waters • Intertidal to subtidal zone, Bull kelp usually found between 10-20m Durvillaea potatorum depth KEY FEATURES: IMPACTS: No midrib or base Large bulky fronds • Can be highly invasive and Up to 8m tall grow rapidly into dense beds • Overgrows and excludes native HABITAT: algal species Exposed rocky reef up to 30m depth

Photo: John Huisman, Marine Plants of Photo: © CSIRO Australia

Midrib up to 3cm wide

Report new locationS See NSW DPI website for up-to-date information www.dpi.nsw.gov.au

20 21 Marine Pest found IN AUSTRALIA Similar Native Species

Blue mussel ASIAN DATE MUSSEL/BAG MUSSEL Mytilus galloprovincialis planulatus KEY FEATURES: Musculista senhousia Large fan shaped shell up to 12cm Blue/black colour Smooth fragile shell up to Usually found in clumps 3cm long, olive green/brown HABITAT: colour Sheltered and moderately exposed reefs, pylons and pontoons Shell has zigzag markings Photo: Graham Edgar, Australian Marine Life and iridescent radiating Up to 15m depth bands Brachidontes rostratus Often in clumps of many KEY FEATURES: individuals Long flat shell up to 4cm Purple colour, regular rounded ribs Usually found in dense clumps HABITAT: Exposed rock platforms

Photo: courtesy Northern Territory Government

Photo: Graham Edgar, Australian Marine Life KNOWN LOCATIONS: • Found in Vic, SA, Tas and WA Hairy mussel Trichomya hirsuta • Not known to occur in NSW KEY FEATURES: HABITAT: Numerous hairs on lower half of shell • Soft sediment or hard surfaces Up to 6cm • Occurs just below the low tide level in aggregated clumps HABITAT: Exposed reef up to 15m depth IMPACTS: Common intertidally and subtidally • Fouls artificial structures Photo: Graham Edgar, Australian Marine Life • Forms dense mats competing Photo: Graham Edgar, Australian Marine Life with natives for food and space Little black horse mussel Xenostrobus pulex KEY FEATURES: Small shiny inflated shell up to 2.5cm in length Black colour Forms dense clumps HABITAT: Exposed rocky shores Mid intertidal zone Photo: Graham Edgar, Australian Marine Life

Report new locationS See NSW DPI website for up-to-date information www.dpi.nsw.gov.au

22 23 Northern Pacific seastar

Marine pests can: • Damage your boat • Impact on your fishing • Destroy native habitats • Threaten human health • Increase your fuel and maintenance costs

Help prevent the spread of marine pests! Check and clean your boat and fishing gear before you move and REPORT MARINE PESTS! 24hr recorded hotline (02) 4916 3877 Email: [email protected]

Photo by Michael Fiedler