Prevention of introduction of species brought into Geraldton Harbour, Western Australia, by the dredge Leonardo da Vinci

WA Museum Records and Supplements | Updated 8 years ago

ABSTRACT: In October 2002 the dredge Leonardo da Vinci arrived in Geraldton, Western Australia, for a major port enhancement program. It sailed from Jamaica, West Indies, through warm seas during the entire voyage. An arrival inspection in Geraldton demonstrated the stern and sea chests were fouled with a variety of non-indigenous marine species that could potentially be introduced to Geraldton, including pest species. The vessel was cleaned in water in Geraldton, with several steps taken to minimize the possibility of species being introduced. Surveys of key species of molluscs and crustaceans were undertaken in October 2003 and 2007. To date, none of these potential pest species have been found, except for Amphibalanus reticulatus which had already been recorded north and south of Geraldton.

KEYWORDS: Introduced marine species, mollusc, crustacean, NIMS