Management Concern: High    

Adequacy of Information: Moderate

Summary extracts from Outlook Report 2009

• The potential for shipping activity to introduce non-native species into the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem is always present.  Introduced species have been detected in ports along the Great Barrier Reef coast, both in ports areas within the Great Barrier Reef Region and in nearby harbours. No introduced species have been detected in marine areas outside ports.
• Seabird and turtle nesting grounds are readily affected by introduced species such as rats and dogs. Insect invasions have caused serious declines in Pisonia forests which are major nesting sites for several seabird species.
  
• The occurrence of introduced marine species adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef Region is increasing.
• There is some risk of introducing species through fouling of recreational vessels, especially those from overseas.
  

What do we know?

Relevant pages from Outlook Online include:

• Australian priority marine pests
  
• Marine pest information sheets
  
• Asian green mussels in Cairns harbour 
• Shipping voyages in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
  

Existing policies and management actions

• Memorandum of Understanding between GBRMPA and Queensland Ports [1.3MB]
  
• Cruise Shipping Policy for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park [113KB]
  
• Dredging and Spoil Disposal Policy [525KB]
  
• Environmental Impact Management Policy [900KB]
  
• Guidelines for the Emergency Disposal of Foreign Fishing Vessels
  
• National system for the prevention and management of marine pest incursions 
• Policies and guidelines for managing tourism and recreational use
• Responsible Reef Practices

Future management requirements

• Future management requirements in this area are being guided by ongoing assessment of emerging research outcomes and issues identified by the Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report 2009.

Defined research questions

• There are currently no defined research questions for this topic. Research questions will be developed, giving priority to interactions/issues that are of most concern to management.

Related information

• Current Research and Monitoring