Introduced Marine Aquatic Invaders - a field guide

Your easy field guide to identifying feral marine invaders in Western Australian waters. Select from the 12 species illustrated below for more details.

We need you to keep an eye out for the 12 species described in this field guide. If you think you have seen one, please contact the Department of Fisheries's FISHWATCH service on 1800-815-507 to report your sighting. If you see a marine plant or animal which is not included in this field guide, but which you think may be an introduced species, we would also like you to report the sighting. Your contribution in monitoring our coastline is invaluable.

Join the Anti-Pest Program

Introduced marine species threaten our marine ecosystem. Your contribution will assist in preserving healthy habitats for fish for the future.

Australian waters abound with a diverse array of marine plants and animals. These have evolved over time, established relationships with fellow inhabitants and adapted to the available habitat. The introduction of exotic species from other countries has the potential to disrupt this long-established marine ecosystem.

Marine pests have the potential to cause significant long-term economic, ecological and health consequences for the sea and the creatures who live in it. They can have a harmful effect on the biodiversity and health of marine ecosystems, and the industries and amenities that depend on them.

There are currently about 250 introduced marine species in Australia. Already 92 of these can be found in our State. the Department of Fisheries would like you to help with a Western Australian initiative by monitoring our coastline for introduced marine species to help prevent any more introduced species becoming established.