Detection of new marine pest in New South Wales

All marine farmers and commercial fishers are to be advised of a suspected detection of Colonial sea squirt (Didemnum vexillum) at Two Fold Bay in New South Wales.

The Colonial sea squirt is a nationally-listed marine pest and has been reported from northern Europe, the eastern and western coasts of the Unites States of America, west coast Canada, Japan and New Zealand.

The Sea Squirt forms large spongy clumps and can generally be recognised by its distinctive orange/yellow colour.

It is currently believed that the colonial sea squirt is not present in Tasmanian waters, however if it is introduced it is likely to have impacts on the marine environment and industries.

It should be noted that there are native sea squirt species and that experts advise that the Colonial Sea Squirt is difficult to positively identify in the field. Anyone seeing something that looks like this should make an accurate note of the location, with GPS if possible, and report the sighting to the DPIPWE marine pest hotline 0408 380 377. DPIPWE will then obtain samples and have them formally identified by a taxonomic expert.

For further information about this species, or any other marine pest please call:
Alastair Morton (DPIPWE) on 6233 7577.

Additional information from DPIPWE can be found by downloading the Marine Pest information sheet (PDF file 48KB) or visit www.dpiw.tas.gov.au