Marine pests pose a risk to Australia’s marine ecosystems, blue economy and coastal way of life. The invasive carpet sea squirt (Didemnum vexillum) was first detected at the navy base HMAS Stirling, Western Australia in 2021 and has since been detected at two other sites across Australia. Listed as a priority marine pest species, D. vexillum is a global invader that has the potential to impact Australia’s benthic marine communities and fisheries and aquaculture industries.
The detection triggered the largest and most costly marine pest response in Australia’s history. While unsuccessful at eradicating D. vexillum, the experience tested Australia’s national marine pest response arrangements and capabilities. A review of the biosecurity response is underway and this presentation will provide an overview of the national response to D. vexillum, including the lessons learned that will inform improvements to Australia’s marine pest response arrangements.