What is a marine pest?
Introduced marine pests are species moved to an area outside their natural range, generally by human activities, and that threaten the environment, human health or economic values.
Australia has over 250 introduced marine species. Fortunately most have little impact but some, including several crabs, mussels, seastars and seaweeds, have become aggressive pests in some locations.
They can include mussels, crabs, seaweeds, sea stars and other marine species. However, not all marine pests are from outside Australia. Some are native to other regions of our country and have been transported into NSW, for example, through domestic shipping or the aquarium trade.
