Northern Pacific Seastar (Asterias amurensi) - Invasive Species
Introduction
The Department of Fisheries is working with the community to manage and conserve Western Australia's fish and aquatic habitats. An important part of this work is protecting our environment and fishing industry against introduced plants, animals and diseases which pose a serious threat to the State's aquatic environment.
WA is free from many of the introduced species that are found in other areas of Australia and overseas, but we will only enjoy this status as long as we maintain a vigilant lookout for these invaders.
Industries such as tourism, aquaculture, recreational and commercial fishing are dependent on the natural diversity that occurs within our marine ecosystem. Nobody benefits from the introduction of invasive species – especially the environment.
Early detection is vital to the successful eradication of this species. Eradication of even small infestations has proven to be expensive and at times impossible in certain conditions. Eradication and control measures are likely to impact on both commercial and recreational activities. The environmental impact is likely to be severe.
What is a Northern Pacific Seastar
The Northern Pacific seastar (Asterias amurensis) is a large five armed seastar that ranges in colour from yellow to orange, often with purple markings on the rough upper surface. The underside is a uniform yellow colouration with arrangements of tube feet lined in grooves towards the mouth. Fully grown individuals can reach in excess of 30cm in diameter.
When first introduced to Tasmania, the Northern Pacific seastar was mistaken for a native species, and it was not until 1992 that it was correctly identified. By this time it was already present in such significant numbers than an eradication attempt was not possible. Since then the seastar has spread to and established in Port Phillip Bay in Victoria. It is considered a major threat to temperate Western Australian waters.
The Northern Pacific seastar is an opportunistic predator feeding on bivalves such as mussels, scallops and clams, as well as gastropods, crabs and barnacles. It is normally found in inshore sheltered areas protected from excessive wave action on both soft sediments and rocky shores. It has been found in Australia at depths of up to 25 metres.
What You Can Do
There are several things you can do to help avoid the establishment of the Northern Pacific seastar in Western Australia.
Recreational fishers:
- After any fishing trip, inspect your gear to ensure it is not harbouring any aquatic species. This will reduce the risk of translocating aquatic species between fishing locations within and across the states and territories.
Scuba divers:
- After diving inspect all of your diving equipment to ensure it is not harbouring any aquatic species. This will reduce the risk of translocating aquatic species between dive sites within and across the states and territories and when returning from international dive locations.
Boat owners:
- Remove any pieces of seaweed and other aquatic species from anchors, ropes, chains, bait buckets and boat wells, that may harbour and aid the further spread of aquatic species to other areas.
- Commercial fishing boats moving between south east Australia and Western Australia should be particularly vigilant.
- Ensure appropriate antifouling paint applications are maintained to reduce the settlement and growth of fouling species. This will not only increase fuel economy, but is likely to further reduce the spread of any fouling aquatic species.
Reporting Introduced Species
While in or around any WA aquatic environment, be aware of your surroundings. If you suspect you have identified the Northern Pacific Seastar or any other possible introduced species within WA, please contact the Department of Fisheries' FISHWATCH service on 1800 815 507 or contact the Department's Translocation Officer on (08) 9482 7385.
For further information contact the Department of Fisheries.
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