Conservation SA

The CCSA citizen science program Feral or In Peril encourages divers, fishers and boaters to report sightings of both introduced marine pests and native species of conservation concern.

Feral or In Peril is very much based on the principle that it is better and more cost effective to prevent damage than to repair it. It has been successful in reporting the first introduced marine pest found on Kangaroo Island, and our sightings data is passed on to relevant scientists and government agencies to help them make informed management decisions.

Through these activities we are developing a state wide early warning network capable of detecting introduced species before they establish, and keeping an eye on the spread of marine pests already established. The native species of conservation concern are all species about which very little is known and scientists would like more information. Sightings data we encourage includes information about habitat, precise location, size, number, and, if relevant, male/female. All sightings are able to be reported online through our website: http://www.reefwatch.asn.au/fpreport.

The Feral or In Peril program has recently published a new 16-page booklet: "Boat Owners Guide to Caring for our Coastal Waters". The booklet details practical ways to reduce your boat's running costs while looking after our coastal waters. The guide is an extension the of long running program by providing further information around marine pest and threatened marine species awareness, especially with regard to boat maintenance and the identification and reporting of marine pests.

Marine pests are great hitch hikers and readily attach themselves to hulls, internal seawater systems, damp spaces or to boating gear such as anchors, ropes and buckets. Recreational boats are known vectors of marine pest transportations and with more than 1 million recreational vessels in Australia, there is increased potential for pests to be inadvertently spread as boats move from one place to another.

Reef Watch Project Officers are available to provide a short presentation about the Feril or In Peril Program and the new Boat Owners Guide to any interested groups. More information, copy of the booklet and bookings for talks can be made by contacting Carl Charter: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; (08) 8223 5155.

Current partners in this program include Biosecurity SA, the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM, Kangaroo Island NRM Board, Department for Environment and Natural Resources, Boating Industry Association SA and the Australian Government Caring for Our Country program.