'Pest-buster' database to protect marine environments.

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A marine pests database initially developed by CSIRO has been integrated into an Australian Government online information service to provide researchers, vessel owners and operators, aquarium suppliers and the public with access to current information about the biology, ecology, distribution and control of introduced marine pests.

The National Introduced Marine Pest Information System (NIMPIS) internet-based inventory contains information on 80 introduced species in Australian waters, as well as species considered likely to be future introductions--'next pests'.

The aim of NIMPIS is to prevent new pests arriving in Australia, alert stakeholders when a new pest does arrive, and minimise the spread of established marine pests.

Over 250 introduced marine plants and animals have hitchhiked to Australian waters on recreational and commercial ships, taking over habitats from native species, changing coastal areas and damaging the nation's fishing, aquaculture and tourism industries.