Episode 14: Biosecurity and pest fish threats to the wet tropics region

Episode 14: Biosecurity and pest fish threats to the wet tropics region

Author: James Donaldson, Wet Tropics Waterways March 20, 2019 Duration: 19:45

The introduction and spread of noxious aquatic fauna and flora can be particularly damaging to the health of our waterways. Once introduced, these invasive species often can't be eradicated, even controlling their spread and proliferation can be expensive and extremely challenging.

The damage that alien (exotic) species can do to our delicate ecosystems varies depending on the species of concern and on the ecosystems into which they are introduced. Some can colonise in low numbers and coexist with minimal impact. Others can out-compete native species for habitat, food and resources, permanently altering the ecosystem for the worse.

In this Episode we talk to Dr Bonnie Holmes, Senior Biosecurity Officer with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. Bonnie is a pest fish expert and explains the level to which alien species currently impact on Wet Tropics Waterways. We also talk about what managers and the public can do to reduce the spread of alien species - and a handful of pest fish that DAF are working to prevent gaining a foothold in our waterways.


There's a vital, living connection between the lush, rainforested rivers of Far North Queensland and the vast blue expanse of the Great Barrier Reef. What happens in one profoundly affects the other. Hosted by James Donaldson from Wet Tropics Waterways, the Reef And Rivers Podcast explores this intricate relationship by giving a voice to the people who know it best. Each conversation moves beyond abstract science to ground-level stories, offering a direct line to farmers, Traditional Owners, researchers, and community volunteers who are actively engaged with the landscape. You'll hear about the specific critters-from tiny insects to majestic fish-that indicate a waterway's health, and learn about the practical, often ingenious projects aimed at protecting them. This isn't just a series of interviews; it's an ongoing audio documentary about the interdependence of an entire region's lifestyle, economy, and environment. By tuning into this podcast, you gain an understanding of how everyday actions on land ripple out to the reef, and more importantly, how collective effort is working to ensure both these iconic systems thrive for generations to come. The discussions are grounded, hopeful, and filled with the kind of specific details that only come from firsthand experience.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 72

Reef And Rivers Podcast
Podcast Episodes
S4.E10 The role of aquariums as educators [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:53
If you've visited the Cairns Aquarium you'll know that biodiversity and conservation education are a driving force behind their business model. In fact, raising awareness about the biodiversity in our world heritage-list…
S4.E9 A blueprint for turbo-charging reef water quality progress [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:12
The Wet Tropics Major Integrated Project was an ambitious 4-year social change and reef water quality project, and has been described as a blueprint to accelerating progress towards achieving reef water quality targets.…
S4.E8 Bum breathers - the Johnstone River snapping turtle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:25
Despite its name, the Johnstone River snapping turtle is no snappier than any other freshwater turtle – and is perhaps better known by its alias, the 'bum breather'. According to turtle expert Alistair Freeman, this abil…
S4.E6 Keeping tabs on mangroves [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:45
Mangroves and saltmarsh are important coastal ecosystems that help purify water, buffer coastal communities from extreme weather and provide fish nurseries for our recreational and commercial fishing industries. They're…
S4.E5 From pets to pests - ornamental fish gone rogue [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:25
They might look pretty – or at least, pretty harmless, but Australia's ornamental fish trade can pose a serious threat to our waterways. Once an invasive is established, it makes eradication almost impossible, which mean…
S4.E4 The changing face of tropical cyclones [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:30
Tropical cyclones, though destructive, are part of the natural dynamics of the rainforest and reef. We often see their land-based impacts most vividly, but they also impact coral reefs and seagrass beds. We catch up with…
S4.E3 Tracking bull sharks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:35
Equal parts fearful and fascinating, bull sharks have a reputation as strong, aggressive sharks and are one of the most common species that anglers are likely to encounter in the estuaries and inshore marine zone. Nicola…
S4.E2 Pharmaceutical-filled waterways [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:29
When we think about waterway pollution, things like paracetamol and caffeine probably aren't the first things that come to mind – but they're among the alarmingly long list of pharmaceuticals and consumables that are lit…
S4.E1 Wet Tropics Waterway Health Report Card Results - 2022 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:33
The 2022 Wet Tropics Waterway Health Report Card was released today. A lot of complex science goes on behind the report, and it can get a bit heavy, so we asked our Independent Chair Dr Greg Vinall to break it down. Join…