Empirical validation: Small vessel translocation of key threatening species

2004
CSIRO Marine Research

Stage I - Asterias amurensis
for the Department of Environment and Heritage

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About the report

The empirical validation project is a two year project designed to collect quantitative information on small vessel biofouling that supports the development and implementation of the new national system for preventing and managing marine pests in Australian waters. This document reports on the results of the first year of the project.

This project had four overall objectives:

  1. to collect bio-fouling samples from small commercial and recreational vessels in order to test the predictions of the Infections Modes and Effects Analysis completed for small craft operating in southeast Australia;
  2. to determine the presence or absence of Asterias amurensis, with a low probability of Type II error, by applying an existing gene probe to the samples collected from these vessels;
  3. to develop a Bayesian journey survival model to estimate probability of survival as a function of vector dynamics and journey duration based on (1) and (2); and,
  4. to develop quantitative risk factors for fouling biomass based on vessel activity, paint type and management practices that assist in the development and/or implementation of new national protocols designed to minimise the bio-invasion risks associated with small craft.

See also