In 2019 all Five Queensland Port Authorities partnered with Biosecurity Queensland to implement the Q-SEAS marine biosecurity monitoring program. This program uses eDNA techniques for marine biosecurity monitoring. The Port of Townsville is a First-Point-of-Entry Port, meaning international vessels come directly to Townsville – through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Area. As a FPOE Port the risk of biosecurity impacts from both terrestrial and marine pests is high. Partnering with regulators, and other Ports in Queensland means we can use a united scientific effort to monitor and protect our marine ecosystems from marine pests.
In 2020 the monitoring program proved effective with the identification of the marine pest: White Colonial Sea Squirt, in the Port’s Marine Precinct. This case study will show how the Q-SEAS program identified the pest, how the Port of Townsville worked with Biosecurity Queensland on a response plan, implemented a removal program, and how the ongoing management implemented is working to prevent further spread.
This case study will show how this innovative partnership has developed strong connections between industry, regulators and science, which has led to effective management programs, and the ongoing protection of our marine ecosystem from introduced marine pests