Abstract: As an island nation, Australia is highly dependent on trade via international shipping.  Within Queensland there are five major import/export hubs that operate adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.  These hubs also support extensive recreational, fisheries and tourism activities.  However, the ecological and economic value of one of these hubs, and the adjacent Great Barrier Reef, recently came under threat from the introduction of a non-indigenous species (NIS).  The pest was introduced to the Cairns region through hull fouling and its discovery occurred by accident.

Early detection of this NIS did enable a swift and proactive response plan to be activated, which resulted in successful eradication. NIS introductions to other locations in Australia have, however, decimated native biodiversity with significant impacts on commercial and recreational activities.  Challenges and lessons learned from Australia and other jurisdictions regarding detection and response to NIS will be discussed. Strategies that have supported successful biosecurity management in Australia that may also have relevance to the Red Sea will be highlighted.