Background

Undaria pinnitifida is an invasive pest species in many temperate regions of the world, including Tasmania. It is harvested commercially as part of the Marine Plant Fishery. Harvesting is conducted by divers and restricted to specific areas on the east coast. Since the early 2000s, fucoidan products have been extracted commercially from Undaria and this remains the primary use of Tasmanian Undaria. The fishery was first assessed in 2005 and has since undergone several assessments under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.

Undaria pinnitifida is considered a significant marine pest in Tasmania under the Biosecurity Act 2019. This is due to its ability to spread rapidly and displace native species, leading to ecosystem alterations and fouling of marine structures. As a result, the Undaria fishery is managed under strict biosecurity measures. The commercial fishery provides economic and environmental benefits by balancing the removal of an invasive species with the production of valuable products.