A vibrant underwater scene of an Australian reef, teeming with native fish and coral

Let’s Protect Our Aussie Waters from Marine Pests!

Today we’re tackling an important issue that affects all of us who enjoy wetting a line or spending time on the water – marine pests. These unwanted intruders can wreak havoc on our beloved Aussie marine ecosystems, and it’s up to all of us to play our part in keeping them at bay.

The Real Impact on Your Fishing Spots

Marine pests aren’t just a problem for scientists and bureaucrats. They can hit fishos where it really hurts – our favourite fishing grounds.

Imagine rocking up to your top-secret snapper spot off the Gold Coast, only to find it overrun by Asian green mussels. These invasive molluscs could carpet the seafloor, altering the habitat that snappers depend on for food and shelter. The result? Your prized fishing spot might turn into a graveyard of empty hooks and disappointed anglers.

Or picture this: You’re gearing up for the annual barra run in the Northern Territory. But if the black striped false mussel gets a foothold in those estuaries, it could choke out the mangroves and seagrass beds that young barramundi rely on. No nursery habitat means fewer fish, and that means a lot less action on your line.

Down in Tassie, the threat of Japanese seaweed (Wakame) looms large. If this pest establishes itself, it could smother entire reefs, pushing out the bull kelp that abalone and rock lobster call home. Say goodbye to those productive dive spots and craypot drops.

Even our beloved beach fishing isn’t safe. The Asian bag mussel might seem small, but in large numbers, these invaders can change the very nature of our sandy shores. Imagine trying to sight-cast for whiting or bream when the usual sandy bottom is now a muddy, mussel-covered mess.

And for those who love to chase pelagics, consider this: marine pests can affect entire food chains. If invasive species outcompete the small fish and crustaceans that make up the diet of kingfish, tuna, or mackerel, we might see these sports fish abandon their usual haunts in search of better feeding grounds.

The message is clear, fellow anglers: marine pests aren’t just an environmental problem – they’re a direct threat to the fishing lifestyle we love. Every time we clean our boats, check our gear, and stay vigilant, we’re not just protecting the ecosystem – we’re safeguarding our own future fishing adventures.

Why Should We Care?

Marine pests are like uninvited guests at a barbie – they show up, cause trouble, and are bloody hard to get rid of. These non-native plants and animals can:

  • Outcompete our native species for food and space
  • Damage boat hulls and marine structures
  • Increase fuel costs by creating drag on vessels
  • Lead to fishing restrictions in affected areas

The good news? Queensland’s waters are currently pest-free, and we want to keep it that way!

Be a True Blue Protector: Look-Report-Protect

Here’s how you can join the fight against marine pests:

  1. Look: Keep your peepers peeled when you’re out on the water. Get to know the seven most likely pest species to invade our shores, including the Asian green mussel and Japanese seaweed.
  2. Report: If you spot something suss, don’t just ignore it! Snap a photo, grab a sample if it’s safe, and report it to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or use their online form.
  3. Protect: Prevention is better than cure, mates. Here’s how to stop the spread:
  • Give your boat a regular once-over and clean, especially after visiting different areas
  • Properly dispose of any marine growth you remove from your vessel
  • Treat your internal seawater systems with freshwater or approved treatments
  • Dry your fishing gear for at least 48 hours before using it in a new location
  • Apply antifouling paint to your boat as recommended

Practical Steps for Pest-Free Fishing

Alright, fishos, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here are some dead-easy ways to keep marine pests at bay while you’re out chasing the big ones:

  1. Give your trailer some TLC: After a day out, don’t just park your trailer and forget about it. Give it a thorough freshwater spray-down. Pay special attention to those wheel arches – they’re like five-star hotels for marine hitchhikers. A good blast with a high-pressure hose can send those unwanted guests packing.
  2. Flush your motor: Your outboard’s cooling system is a sneaky hideout for microscopic nasties. After each trip, run your motor in a bucket of freshwater for a few minutes. It’ll flush out any saltwater and potential pests hiding in there.
  3. Scrub-a-dub-dub: Make cleaning your boat a post-fishing ritual. Use a stiff brush to scrub down the hull, paying extra attention to nooks and crannies. Those little corners near the transducer or trim tabs? Perfect pest hideouts. Give ’em a good going-over.
  4. Dry out your gear: After a day’s fishing, lay out your rods, reels, and tackle in the sun. Most marine pests can’t survive a good drying out. Aim for at least 48 hours of drying time if you’re heading to a different waterway.
  5. Bait and burley check: Using local bait is best. If you’ve got leftover bait or burley from another area, don’t chuck it in the water. Bin it on land to avoid introducing pests or diseases.
  6. Wader wisdom: If you’re a keen fly fisher or estuary wader, give your waders and boots a good scrub and dry between trips, especially if you’re moving between waterways.
  7. Kayak care: Kayak fishos, don’t forget to drain any water from your kayak after use. Give the hull a good clean, and don’t forget to check inside hatches and storage areas.
  8. Anchor awareness: Your anchor can dredge up all sorts of stuff from the bottom. Give it a good clean and check the chain and rope too. Marine pests love hitching a ride on a crusty old anchor.
  9. Live well lookout: If you use a live well, drain and rinse it thoroughly with freshwater after each trip. Those little water pumps and hoses are prime real estate for invasive species.
  10. Ice box inspection: Don’t forget to give your ice box or fish bin a good clean out. Any leftover fish bits or water can harbour unseen pests.
  11. Check your PFD: Life jackets can trap water and tiny organisms. Give them a freshwater rinse and allow them to dry completely between trips.
  12. Dive gear diligence: Spearos and underwater enthusiasts, soak your wetsuit, fins, and other gear in freshwater with a bit of vinegar. It’ll help kill off any clingy marine nasties.

Remember it’s not just about ticking boxes. Each of these steps is like casting a line to protect our waterways. The more we all pitch in, the better our chances of keeping those prized fishing spots pristine and productive.

In-Water Cleaning: Proceed with Caution

While it’s best to clean your boat out of the water, sometimes that’s not possible. If you need to clean in the water, make sure you:

  • Don’t damage the anti-fouling coating
  • Check with Biosecurity in your state or Territory.

So next time you’re tempted to skip the boat wash or forget the gear check, remember: your favourite fishing spot is counting on you. Let’s keep our waters clean, our habitats healthy, and our fish plentiful. After all, the only thing we want invading our fishing spots is more fish!

Want to learn more about identifying marine pests or getting involved in local conservation efforts? Drop us a line in the comments or check out our forum. Let’s keep Australia’s waters beautiful and pest-free for generations of fishos to come!