invasive species home

During the treatment, no vessels were allowed in or out of the marina. Huge amounts of chlorine and copper sulfate were added to the waters. The chlorine was hard to maintain because it debased so quickly. The copper, however, was successful in killing nearly everything in the marina, including the mussels. Because of the wet season, this did not pose a huge problem. As monsoon rains replenished and filtered through Darwin Harbour, entire ecosystems regenerated in the area.

4 months: marina’s ecosystem recovering well.
6 months: nearly back to normal
12 months: ecosystem completely recovered.

WHAT WAS THE RESULT?

100% Black-striped mussel free!

*About 5 tons of mussesl were removed from the marina.

The eradication of the black-striped mussel from Darwin Harbour was a world first. This was due largely to the fast response by the Northern Territory Government. The government declared this a State of Emergency and worked to eradicate the pest without financial consideration.

This led to the establishment of the Aquatic Pest Management Unit. The unit focuses on inspecting high risk vessels, involvement in national forums, and emergency response preparedness. It also evaluates community awareness and involvement.

*A temporary side effect was the impact it had on water-side restaurants. The smell of dead fish lingered in the area for some time, keeping many customers away. Restaurant owners agreed, however, that the temporary setback was better than a greater problem down the road.
Coping:


Home	Cane Toad	Hard Hoofed	Rabbit	Grasses	Mussel	Dingo



	During the treatment, no vessels were allowed in or out of the marina. Huge amounts of chlorine and copper sulfate were added to the waters. The chlorine was hard to maintain because it debased so quickly. The copper, however, was successful in killing nearly everything in the marina, including the mussels. Because of the wet season, this did not pose a huge problem. As monsoon rains replenished and filtered through Darwin Harbour, entire ecosystems regenerated in the area. 4 months: marina’s ecosystem recovering well. 6 months: nearly back to normal 12 months: ecosystem completely recovered. WHAT WAS THE RESULT? 100% Black-striped mussel free! About 5 tons of mussesl were removed from the marina. The eradication of the black-striped mussel from Darwin Harbour was a world first. This was due largely to the fast response by the Northern Territory Government. The government declared this a State of Emergency and worked to eradicate the pest without financial consideration. This led to the establishment of the Aquatic Pest Management Unit. The unit focuses on inspecting high risk vessels, involvement in national forums, and emergency response preparedness. It also evaluates community awareness and involvement. A temporary side effect was the impact it had on water-side restaurants. The smell of dead fish lingered in the area for some time, keeping many customers away. Restaurant owners agreed, however, that the temporary setback was better than a greater problem down the road. Coping: