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 University of Adelaide's Roseworthy Campus, north of Adelaide.
Biosecurity research results (MISA Snapshots - one page non-technical summaries)
MISA biosecurity research covers:
- marine pests
- fish pathogens and parasites
- nuisance and toxic microalgae
Many research stakeholders already undertake research within these topics. MISA is ensuring better coordination and collaboration, and expanded 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
DNA-based molecular diagnostic testing capabilities is being extended to provide a national facility for identifying and quantifying pathogens, parasites and marine pests in ballast water.