I believe the recent report from the CSIRO - "Australia's Biosecurity Future. Preparing for future biological challenges." should be used to inform this process. As a person involved in marine conservation in general, and dolphin research in particular, my main concern is in relation to marine biosecurity. As is effectively addressed in the mentioned report this situation is often left to the vessel operators, almost an honour system, which is not affording sufficient protection. This therefore means that the opening of new port facilities in our relatively pristine marine habitat areas should not be considered. Once the "genie" is out of the bottle it is impossible in open ocean environments to control outbreaks and eradicate marine pests. Technology as it stands needs further development to alert us to the presence of marine pests in bilge water, biofouling etc. but does not provide a solution. As we become more reliant upon shipping trade the issue is becomes more of an imperative. Control begins with limiting sites and infrastructure and strong consideration of the nature of facilities in relation to controlling inevitable outbreaks. The marine environment is currently undervalued and under resourced which must be addressed if we are to avert a catastrophe. Please feel free to contact me for further information if required.
Tony Bartram, Kangaroo Island/Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch Coordinator