Victorian Coastal Pest
The Northern Pacific Sea Star.
introduction
why are Northern Pacific Sea Star Considered a pest?
It is considered a pest because of the large impact it's had on Australia's native species. They are a serious threat due to them eating a wide range of our native marine animals.
Its had a big effect on the fishing industry, it has been noted in japan that its a lost millions of dollars but its yet to be noted how much of an effect it has in the Australia but it has been estimated to have the same amount of damage to our fishing industry and possible more damage.
The female can proudce up to 20 million eggs at a time. This is why it is so difficult to remove them from our waters
what it looks like.
It can be up to 50cm long.
It's mostly yellow with purple or red markings.
Its large with five arms.
When, Where, How and Now?
When/Where: It was first founded in Australian waters around 1992, but they are normally found in the colder waters of the Asian Coast.
How: The young are sucked into the ships haul were the ballast water is kept and when the water is empty the young float out into Australian waters.
Now: They are now also found in the waters of Port Phillip Bay, and Eastern Tasmania.
Why they surive so well in Australia?
They have survived so well in Australian waters because they were able to adapt to the warmer waters, they can also find plenty of muddy coastlines and rocky shores.