The Western Australian Government has launched its two year, $9.4 million biosecurity program that will specifically target the state’s aquatic environments.

 

State Fisheries Minister Norman Moore launched the program, which will be aimed at protecting the state’s waters, which also contains a special charter that encourages stakeholder organisations to contribute to the program.

 

“The State Government recognises the significance of the financial and environmental risks of aquatic pests to our precious waters and its inhabitants,” Mr Moore said.

 

“Marine pests alone directly cost the global economy more than $1.5trillion every year.

 

“These pests can cause diseases in humans and quickly disrupt ecosystems and industries, threaten tourism and damage or even close down fisheries and aquaculture activities.

 

For more information about WA’s biosecurity program visit http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/biosecurity