Biosecurity
Invasive marine species and fish diseases threaten our aquatic ecosystems, fishing industries, exports and even our lifestyle. The management of marine pests into our waters such as Caulerpa taxifolia, sabellid worm and toxic phytoplankton, is a relatively new area of marine research in SA. A critical element of MISA will be the construction of a large aquatic biological containment facility at the South Australian Aquatic Sciences Centre (SAASC).
MISA Biosecurity ProjectsMISA biosecurity research will cover:
- marine pests
- fish pathogens and parasites
- nuisance and toxic microalgae
Many research stakeholders already undertake research within these topics. MISA will ensure better coordination and collaboration, and expand research in the areas of:
- spatial risk analysis
- marine micro-algal physiology
- multi-disciplinary ecology
- invertebrate taxonomy
- biological control-design and development
- fish veterinary science
- genetics
- operational and marine engineering
DNA-based molecular diagnostic testing capabilities will be extended to provide a national facility for identifying and quantifying pathogens, parasites and marine pests in ballast water.