How are marine pest species introduced to Australian coastal waters?
Biological invasions can be either accidental or intentional introductions, and can arise from a wide variety of private and commercial practices [3]. • Ballast water is water (and associated sediment) used to control the trim and draft of a vessel [1], and is a significant source of marine pests in Australia [4,5]. It has been estimated that at any given moment, some 10,000 different species are being transported across biogeographic regions in ballast tanks [1]. These organisms may be released at a distant port when cargo is unloaded. Some organisms can also be transported via the water in other internal seawater systems, such as engine cooling systems, toilet/bathroom systems (if they use saltwater) and on-board aquarium systems. • Transport of encrusting organisms via fouling of vessels (e.g. hulls, propellers, intake grates and cavities) and other gear (e.g. nets, cages, lines, floats and anchors) was the most important vector in the past [6]. Fouling as a vector has increased in
