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Boat Owners Keep Vessels Clean To Treat ‘Em Mean

Environment Minister John Thwaites today launched a campaign urging boating enthusiasts to stop aquatic pests spreading in Victorian waters.

By Minister for Environment - 6th April 2004 - Back to News

Mr Thwaites said the message was particularly important this week with thousands of Victorians set to take to the water over Easter.

"Boat owners can greatly assist efforts to control pests by remembering the Six Ds, and in doing so prevent serious damage to our marine environment," Mr Thwaites said.

"The ‘Six Ds’ are simple, and more importantly, effective ways to minimise the risk of inadvertently spreading aquatic pests.

"If you are involved in fishing, sailing, water skiing, cruising, kayaking, canoeing or scuba-diving – the Six Ds can prevent you unknowingly spreading pests around Victoria."

The Six D’s to deter aquatic pests are:

• Dislodge all plants and animals from your boat and put them in a bin;
• Drain away all water;
• Dispose of unwanted live bait by placing it in a bin;
• Douse your boat and equipment with fresh water;
• Dry your boat and equipment; and
• Don’t forget to apply (where appropriate) an approved anti-foulant.

Mr Thwaites said the recent discovery of the Northern Pacific Seastar at Inverloch was an unwelcome reminder of the importance of controlling aquatic pests.

"The Seastar is a major pest which has done significant damage in Port Phillip Bay, it’s vital we stop its spread to other waters," he said.

"The local community in partnership with the Government through the Department of Sustainability and Environment has done a great job in eradicating the pest over recent months.

"We hope the Seastar will be eradicated at Inverloch before May which is its spawning season.

"Efforts to eradicate the pest have recently been stepped up even further with the use of state of the art video survey equipment and world-first gene probe technology."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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