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Introduction
The
Feral or in Peril Program is part of the award winning Reef Watch
Program and now incorporates the Dragon Search program. The program
started in 2002 and continues with support from the Adelaide Mount
Lofty Ranges Natural Resource Management Board, PIRSA Biosecurity and
the Australian Government Caring for our Country Community Coast Care
grant.
The new
Feral or in Peril Program has been designed to enable recreational
divers, anglers and boaters to help keep track of a number of marine
organisms that are of special concern. As its name implies, the Feral
or in Peril Program has been designed to identify introduced marine
pests that are a potential threat to the marine ecosystem as well as
local species that may be in danger of disappearing
 Feral Species
Over the
last couple of hundred years, many plants and animals have been
introduced into Australia, and of these several have become major
problems. Introduced species have entered our marine environment in a
number of ways both accidentally and deliberately.
Unfortunately
we know comparatively little about the way that the marine environment
functions and hence it is difficult for us to know exactly what effect
these introductions will have. However it would be reasonable to assume
that some of the more invasive species could potentially create a
similar amount of devastation as that caused by cats, foxes, and
rabbits on the land.
In
addition, because of the difficulties in operating underwater, it is
almost impossible to eradicate a 'pest' once it becomes established in
the marine environment. Up until now most work has focused on
monitoring the rate of spread and attempting to understand the effects
of these introductions.
Recent
experience has shown that it is possible to eradicate a 'pest' species,
providing the population is discovered early enough, and as relatively
few people ever see the underwater environment, it is important that
every diver and snorkeller keep a look out for these species, and
report them promptly.
In Peril
Species
Many
marine species in Australian waters are virtually unknown. For those
that have at least been identified, there is precious little
information regarding life history, ecology or population. The South
Australian native species included in this kit are those that are
considered to be of conservation concern. They are considered by this
program to be 'in peril’ because scientists do not have enough data to
assess whether or not they are threatened or vulnerable.
Free Waterproof Identification Kits for anglers, boaters and divers
To aid
recreational divers, anglers and boaters in identifying species of
concern, The Feral or in Peril Program has produced a kit that consists
of four waterproof cards containing photos and basic information on how
to spot these organisms. The slates are supplemented by an information
brochure that goes into greater detail about the individual species and
the program in general. The cards and brochure can be obtained free
through dive, tackle and boat outlets or by contacting The Feral or in
Peril Program: email [email protected]
or
view/download PDFs below
Reporting
Sightings
The best
way to report sightings of Feral or In Peril
species is via the online database,
but the manual contains a sighting sheet that can be faxed to Reef
Watch on (08) 8232 4782.
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