Aquatic pests and diseases are a significant threat to Western Australia’s precious oceans and rivers. Pests can devastate aquatic ecosystems, damaging economies, environments, and lifestyles.
Aquatic
pests can be transported by ocean-going vessels, and by escaping or being
released into our rivers and dams.
The
best defence against aquatic pests is to prevent them entering and establishing
in our waters in the first place.
We are leading the prevention effort with
aquatic biosecurity surveillance programs that utilise cutting edge technology,
and ground-breaking management and compliance strategies.
WA's industries and the community are essential partners in the fight to keep our waters pest free. We are also working at a national level to prevent the spread of pests and diseases in the nation's waters.
We
all have a role to play in helping protect our precious environment and
waterways. Those who spend time in or around the water are well-placed to spot
new aquatic pests and can help by reporting any suspected aquatic pests or
aquatic biosecurity breaches to FishWatch 1800 815 507.
Aquatic diseases and fish kills also present a risk to WA's aquatic environment. To read more about these threats please see our page on aquatic animal health.