Invited Talk

Molecular genetic probes for detection and management of marine pests.
Patil JG^*, RM Gunasekera, NJ Bax
CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
^*E-mail: Jawahar.Patil@csiro.au

Many marine invasive species are transported through the world’s oceans at sizes that render them invisible to the naked eye and at developmental stages, indistinguishable from their native counterparts even under the microscope.  To circumvent these limitations, over the last 5 years CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research (CMAR) has developed and deployed genetic probes for detection of five key marine pests of concern to Australia.  Initially a standard nested PCR approach was adopted to differentiate target species from mixed biological samples (biofouling and ballast water) with the results feeding back to refine the Ballast Water Decision Support System used by Victoria to manage domestic ballast water.  More recently we have developed quantitative PCR detection assays for 4 of the species and are currently applying these tools to acquire more accurate data on encounter rates, variability and uncertainties associated with sampling techniques as well as to obtain more accurate data on natural histories (spawning season, spatial and temporal heterogeneity, etc).  When more gene probes become available it would be advantageous to amalgamate them on to a single platform incorporating the advantages of both  signal amplification (PCR) and  amenability for high throughput screening (e.g microarray) afforded by the modern molecular techniques.  However, the major bottleneck at the current time is the lack of species specific probes for many invasive species of concern and for marine species in general where the probes are being used to investigate recruitment dynamics and dispersal in the plankton. In light of this we conclude by looking at further development of these genetic technologies (including developing more probes) and recommend that a collaborative international approach be initiated, if scientists and managers are to reap the rewards of these genetic technologies. Globally such collaborations will help the maritime states (both flag and port) to comply, monitor, enforce and test the specific efficacy of  ballast water management required by the IMO, Globallast convention (2004). The probes will also have application to testing management measures to restrict the spread of marine invasives by the many other vectors and thus conserve the identity of bioregions.

Keywords: Molecular genetic probes, Marine pests

Studies on settlement, distribution and abundance of fouling organisms at Mumbai harbour.
Swami BS^*, M Udhayakumar
Marine Biotechnology Department, Naval Materials Research Laboratory, DRDO,     Anandnagar P.O., Ambernath (E), Dist.- Thane - 421 506, Maharashtra
^*E-mail: swamibs29@yahoo.co.in

The present work has been carried out for a period of 16 months at two sites viz. Near-shore waters (St. 1) and Tidal basin (St. 2) in Mumbai harbour (lat.18º 55'N; long.72º 50'E). The biofouling at two sites was examined with regard to species abundance (density) and its composition. Sixty species were recorded during the investigation period (2000 – 2001). These species mainly belong to phylum annelida (11 species), bryozoa (22 species), cirripedes (4 species), mollusca (5 species.), coelenterata (6 species), tunicata (10 species) and porifera (2 species).  Of the sixty species, 35 species have been recorded from Tidal basin, a site which is influenced by organic pollutants released through sewage water. Of the 60 recorded species, 16 species were new records from the region. 

The study revealed that the density recorded at Tidal basin was significantly (P< 0.00005) higher than that of Near-shore waters. The influence of sewage water pollution was obvious showing considerable impact on species diversity.

With increasing use of seawater as an industrial fluid by shore based industries several problems of material durability as well as marine biofouling are presently encountered. It is, therefore, necessary to generate scientific data that may help in understanding the ecological aspects of fouling species and their distribution. This work will provide information regarding community and predominance of organisms. The work involved in the study were i) quantitative and qualitative assessment of biofouling and ii) seasonal influence on its occurrence. This information will be further useful for developing eco-friendly antifouling compounds.

Keywords: Biofouling, Seasonal variation, Species composition, Pollution, Biodiversity

Invited Talk

Vessel-mediated dissemination of fouling mussels in world waters.
Sanjeevi Rajagopal^*, Gerard van der Velde
Department of Animal Ecology and Ecophysiology, Institute for Wetland and Water Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, Toernooiveld 1, 6525 ED Nijmegen, The Netherlands
^*E-mail: rajuvasi@hotmail.com

Mussels rank among the most troublesome organisms among the large number of invasive species so far recorded in literature. Species such as Dreissena polymorpha and Perna viridis have been reportedly causing considerable economic damage due to their large-scale occurrence beyond their normal range of geographical distribution. Invasive alien species can take a heavy financial toll on ecology, governments, industries, and private citizens. A recent study estimates that invasive alien species cost the United States of America more than $100 billion a year and at least this much in six other countries combined. Ship hull fouling has been identified as a major vector for anthropogenic dissemination of mussels beyond their native location. Mussels, by virtue of their ability to attach to surfaces using their byssus apparatus, are particularly suited to long-range transport via ship hulls and ballast water tanks. It is expected that the proposed complete ban of tributyltin-based antifouling paints on ships might lead to a significant increase in the number of introductions of invasive species via hull fouling in future. In this context, we have carried out comprehensive analysis of historic data on alien species invasion through literature with particular reference to species such as Dreissena polymorpha. However, there is scarcity of data in the context of relative recent introductions such as Perna viridis. P. viridis is a remarkable species in terms of its ability to reach very large biomass levels, to withstand environmental fluctuations, to colonise artificial marine habitats and to invade new geographic territories.  It is argued that the remarkable success of P. viridis as an invasive species basically stems from its long larval duration, fast growth rate, high fecundity, early maturity, high productivity and ability to withstand fluctuating environmental conditions. In this review we attempt to summarise information available on the invasive mussel species from both tropical and temperate waters.

Keywords: Mussels, invasive species, Dreissena polymorpha, Perna viridis, Ship hull fouling, Tropical, Temperate waters

Ballast water management in Malaysia: issues and concerns.
Kaur Cheryl Rita^*
Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA), Malaysia
^*E-mail: cheryl_rk@mima.gov.my

Ballast water is necessary to maintain safety and stability at sea. However, it is also one of the major transporters of non-indigenous organisms, leading to serious ecological, economical and human health repercussions. The development of faster and larger ships, as well as rapidly increasing world trade, has reduced the natural barriers to the dispersal of species around the world. The shipping sector however is also the lifeline for Malaysia’s international and national trade. Malaysia’s dependence on maritime trade which carries 95 per cent of its goods means that the country is particularly susceptible to the impact of alien species introduction through ballast water. For example, more than 60,000 ships pass through the Strait of Malacca annually carrying large amounts of ballast water which could contaminate the marine environment if not managed or regulated properly. Thus, this paper examines the issues and concerns involved in ships’ ballast water management in Malaysia. This is done by examining the threats and implications of marine invasive species; observing the shipping trends; describing the current international instruments and domestic policies being applied to the problem; studying the status and issues for Malaysia; reviewing the present national legal and procedural arrangements to control or abate this problem; addressing the relevant stakeholders’ concerns on its implementation; and finally recommending what actions could be taken to address the issue. 

Keywords: Ballast water, Introduced species, Trade, Shipping, Management

Ceyhan marine terminal ballast water risk assessment.
Arzu OLGUN,  Gulsen AVAZ, Serife BOZKAYA, Aslı Suha Donertas, Cihangir AYDONER, Dilek EDIGER, Tulay COKACAR, Emrah Ali PEKDEMIR^*
TUBITAK Marmara Research Center, Chemistry and Environment Institute, 41470, GEBZE – KOCAELI / TURKEY
^* E-mail: emrah.pekdemir@mam.gov.tr

The main aim of this study was to undertake a Ballast Water Risk Assessment (BWRA) study, according to the IMO – GloBallast BWRA methodology, for tanker movements between ports of tanker origin (source ports) and Ceyhan Marine Terminal (CMT) port to determine the risk of biological contamination between the ports.

The Ceyhan Marine Terminal export facility is located on the north-northwest coast of the upper Gulf of Iskenderun, Eastern Mediterranean Sea in Turkey. Iskenderun Gulf has many industries and approximately 2200 ships berth in the Gulf every year. After official inauguration of BTC Marine Terminal in July 2006, tanker traffic has increased in the Gulf. Loaded of the first tanker at the port of Ceyhan with oil from the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline took place on 4 June 2006. Marine facilities of the terminal include a fiscal metering station, a jetty capable of berthing two 300,000 Dead Weight Tonnage (DWT) tankers simultaneously, and facilities for loading oil onto tankers. The planned oil transport activity from the BTC Marine Terminal represents some 56.4 million DWT per year.

In the BWRA carried out for the CMT, it has been assessed and described as far as possible from available data the risk profile of invasive aquatic species being introduced to in ships’ BW and identified the source ports posing the highest risk for such introductions. Risk has been determined on a 5 point scale of highest, high, medium, low and lowest. The shipping data used in the study is between June 2006–May 2007.

Keywords: Ballast Water, Risk Assessment, Invasive Species