Carpet sea squirt response transitions to management
Carpet sea squirt was detected in Western Australia and New South Wales, prompting the formation of a cross-jurisdictional team to address the issue. After surveillance and eradication efforts at HMAS Stirling, it was determined that eradication was not feasible. In June 2024, the national response officially shifted to management, focusing on limiting the spread and impact of the pest across jurisdictions.
Carpet sea squirt can harm fisheries, aquaculture, marine environments, and industries like dive tourism by clogging nets, overgrowing species, and increasing vessel cleaning needs. It remains listed on the National Priority List of Exotic Environmental Pests, Weeds, and Diseases, with its status under review due to the shift from eradication to management.
For more details, visit the Outbreak.gov.au website.
National guidelines for the management of Didemnum vexillum
The National Guidelines for the Management of Didemnum vexillum (carpet sea squirt) provide a consistent approach to managing its spread and impact. These guidelines help organisations prepare and create management plans, covering areas such as surveillance, vessel management, control, communications, and research.
For more details, visit the National Introduced Marine Pest Information System (NIMPIS) or the Marine Pests website at marinepests.gov.au. To report a suspected marine pest, contact your local biosecurity authority at https://www.marinepests.gov.au/report
For inquiries about the guidelines, contact the MPSC Secretariat at or visit marinepests.gov.au.
