Biosecurity Biosecurity refers to preventive measures designed to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases in crops and livestock, quarantined pests, invasive species and living modified organisms For Australia as an island nation biosecurity is important for keeping “nasties” from other parts of the world out. In OES we focus on security and protection against threats to primary industries and the environment.

Try a google search on biosecurity and chose “news”

Biosecurity discourse There is a diverse array of threats that need to be considered As threats are identified, control measures need to be discussed or debated Threats can come not only from outside Aust but also within, it may be a case of limiting spread of pests

Ganglioneuritis An example of Fisheries biosecurity The abalone fishery makes a significant contribution to the economy The Victorian Abalone Fishery is divided into three management zones: Western, central and eastern zones In 2006 the Western Zone was decimated by a virus ganglioneuritis

The virus probably exists/existed in the wild The virus probably exists/existed in the wild. It seems likely that the virus mutated to a more virulent strain in an abalone farm which was identified as the source of the infection Strict measures were put in place to control the spread of the disease

Measures Cleaning of boats & dive gear with disinfectant Abalone guts was sold as bait, this was stopped The Mallacoota Co-op stopped putting process waste into the sea and instead disposes all waste at the tip Commercial abalone and crayfish harvesting was stopped in some areas most infected Catch/dive bins were sent back by processors to their original owners Codes of practice were established by the Victorian abalone industry.

Success The virus was contained in the western zone and in may areas (not all) abalone populations are recovering

Abalone biosecurity discourse in East Gippsland Perception Interaction Impact Biosecurity: Strong efforts need to be made to stop the spread of the virus and to protect fisheries not affected Environment as an important economic resource that needs to be protected from threat of humans spreading the disease Abalone industry works to contain the spread of the disease Measures worked to contain the virus and it did not spread Better awareness of quarantine issues and better management of risks Players: Commercial fishers/abalone divers Govt agencies (DELWP) Recreational fishermen & divers Govt works to inform and enforce measures to stop the virus spreading Greater awareness of potential negative impacts on environment

And to conclude Good exam advice on page 227: Notes for the exam Other environmental issues???