What is being done about the Northern Pacific Seastar in Port Phillip Bay?
Although an eradication effort was attempted when the Northern Pacific Seastar was first found in Port Phillip Bay, these efforts were unsuccessful. Because the seastars are highly productive (with each female releasing up to 20 million eggs each),100 percent of the population must be removed for an eradication attempt to be effective. Should just a few individuals be left the population will successfully breed. The Northern Pacific Seastar is now established in Port Phillip Bay. The seastars are present as adults and larvae in Port Phillip Bay waters at various times of the year. Current technology is unable to eradicate this species from the Bay without causing severe side effects to the environment. Therefore the current priority is to stop this marine pest from spreading to new areas along Victoria’s coastline. Report a marine pest If you suspect you have seen a Northern Pacific Seastar outside of Port Phillip Bay, you should report it to the Customer Service Centre on 136 186. If
