Pressures

• Introduction and presence of aquatic pests, weeds and diseases from translocations by humans or animals, eg European Carp, marron, Mosquito Fish, Redfin and Arum Lily.

Impacts

• Non-native species decrease biodiversity and compete with native species for habitat and food.
• Pest and non-native aquatic animals can introduce and spread disease.
• Pest plants and animals can impact water quality and ecosystem health. Pest species can also impact the fishing sector.

Responses

• Declared aquatic weeds and non-fish species, such as amphibians and reptiles, are managed under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019 and response is determined based on risk assessment of impacts and feasibility of control.
• Pest fish species are declared noxious under the Fisheries Management Act 2007. Declared species are not to be held or traded without specific authorisation and must not be released. Some species must be reported via the FISHWATCH hotline if sighted.
• Landscape Boards work with the community to help manage and control pest plants and animals.
• PIRSA has representation on national management groups including the Environment and Invasives Committee, Carp Task Group and National Freshwater Vertebrate and Invertebrate Working Group.
• Translocation of aquatic animals is regulated in South Australia and approval must be given by PIRSA prior to introducing species into the state.

Opportunities

• Potential to increase commercial fishing access and identification of markets for existing invasive species to reduce numbers and minimise impacts on the environment and native species.