Introduced Species

Northern Pacific Seastar
Asterias amurensis



The Northern Pacific Seastar is currently a huge problem in Port Phillip Bay and Tasmania where it was initially introduced from Japan in the 1980s. It is a major predator on wide range of marine species, including shellfish and alters temperate reef habitats. It is a large, highly mobile predator that has few native enemies and a ferocious appetite with the potential to have a considerable impact on the
marine environment, commercial and
recreational fisheries. The Northern Pacific Seastar has sometimes been confused with the native Knobby seastar, Uniphora ganifera.
People have also mistakenly removed the native eleven-arm sea star, Coscinasterias muricata, perhaps thinking that it is an introduced species.
If removing introduced pest species from the water please be absolutely sure that you have identified your animal correctly.

Mediterranean Fanworm
Sabella spallanzanii



The Mediterranean Fanworm competes for phytoplankton food with native bivalves and other shellfish. It can affect water circulation, nitrification, fish breeding and seagrass beds.

Undaria Kelp
Undaria pinnatifida



Undaria Kelp is also of considerable concern. It forms massive stands that out-compete native species for space and light. It is thought to have been introduced by woodchip transporting boats from Japan.