Published: Friday, 26 October 2018 at 10:59:09 AM
An innovative marine biosecurity surveillance program developed in collaboration by port authorities in Western Australia and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) have taken out the Golden Gecko Award for Environmental Excellence.
The State Wide Array Surveillance Program (SWASP) is a world first in the use of molecular techniques in a collaborative marine biosecurity surveillance network to more rapidly detect and respond to a potential incursion of introduced marine pests.
Mid West Ports Authority HSEQ Manger Russel Stevens said the program had been voluntarily taken up by all port authorities in WA.
“The program has been a fantastic way for WA port Authorities and DPIRD to work together to better protect our marine and agricultural environments,” he said.
The award recognises that the program uses innovation to give cost-effective, accurate data that can lead to early detection and identification, making it possible to manage the vast coastline of WA.
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