Ms Anita Ramage1, Ms Carolyn Trewin4,1, Ms Nicola Stokes2,3
1Biosecurity Queensland, DAF, Brisbane, Australia, 2North Queensland Bulk Ports, Mackay, Australia, 3Queensland Ports Association, Brisbane, Australia, 4Great Barrier Reef Foundation, Brisbane, Australia
The Queensland Seaports eDNA Surveillance (Q-SEAS) Program operates as an early warning screening tool to monitor high-risk port environments, providing the best chance of early detection of invasive marine species (IMS). Early detection facilitates early intervention and provides the best chance for effective management or eradication of IMS to minimise impacts and is far more cost-effective than attempts at eradicating IMS, or ongoing management after IMS becomes established.
The Q-SEAS Program is delivered in partnership between Biosecurity Queensland and the five Queensland port authorities. Surveillance is currently undertaken at six Queensland ports and involves the collection of environmental samples from settlement arrays and plankton tows. eDNA metabarcode sequencing analysis of both 18S and CO1 DNA barcode regions is undertaken by eDNA Frontiers at Curtin University, with qPCR used for verification purposes.
The application of DNA technologies has revolutionised how we detect and manage biosecurity risks in the marine environment. Molecular diagnostics enables detection of specimens too small to identify, including eggs and larvae, and species that are cryptic or in low abundance. Sampling and analysis is quicker and easier than traditional methods creating a highly effective early warning system, acting as an indicator of risk regarding potential IMS incursions and allows for effective resource allocation.
This collaborative and innovative approach to surveillance using molecular diagnostic analysis has significantly improved Queensland’s capability for early detection of IMS. The Q-SEAS Program facilitates early intervention and assists in protecting Queensland’s valuable marine environment and its natural resources, port operations and maritime industries.
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