Dr Kathryn Wiltshire1, Dr Di Barton2, Dr Daniele Giblot-Ducray3, Dr Kelly Hill3, Dr Marty Deveney1,2
1PIRSA – SARDI Aquatic and Livestock Sciences, West Beach, Australia, 2Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry – Marine and Aquatic Biosecurity, 3PIRSA- SARDI Crop Sciences
Biography:
Kathryn Wiltshire is a researcher in the Marine Ecosystems program of SARDI Aquatic and Livestock Sciences, working primarily in the field of marine biosecurity. A key focus of Kathryn’s recent research is the application of molecular tools to surveillance, particularly to determine the presence or absence of priority invasive marine species to inform management. Kathryn has led projects to assess the performance of surveillance methods and molecular tools for the detection of invasive marine species, and to map the current and potential range of invasive species using species records and modelling approaches.
Abstract:
Vessels are a major vector for invasive marine species (IMS) introductions, including via ballast water. Australia is a signatory to the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments 2004, which aims to prevent the spread of IMS and human pathogens by ballast water. To meet ballast water management (BWM) convention requirements vessels operating domestically within Australia are required to manage ballast water risk by exchanging ballast water, using low-risk ballast water, or treating ballast water with an approved system. Vessels are eligible for risk-based BWM exemptions on domestic voyages, with the risk assessment considering nine target IMS established in parts of Australia that pose a risk of further spread and impacts. Knowledge of target IMS status at ports is therefore required to assess risk and avoid unnecessary imposition of BWM and costs. SARDI has developed a molecular surveillance system using plankton samples tested with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays for the nine BWM risk-assessment species. The molecular survey system was validated and refined across several projects involving sampling at ports around Australia in addition to laboratory assessment and statistical approaches. In this presentation we describe the surveillance system, outline the steps involved in its validation to operational level, and present findings on the status of key IMS for Australian ports.