The first case of soft-shell clam in the Southern Hemisphere has been discovered on Tasmania’s East Coast, following recent storms in the state.
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Biosecurity Tasmania and the Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment department are working in accordance with the National System for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursion and the Tasmanian seafood and marine industries in response to the soft-shell clam discovery at a Prosser River beach, Orford.
There are indications that these clams, Mya japonica, may have been present in the waterway for some time, Primary Industries minister Sarah Courtney said.
“A Mya shell was found in the area in 2013 but a subsequent survey did not locate any further specimens. The exact source of this incursion is not known and investigations are ongoing,” Ms Courtney said.
“Marine pest biosecurity is an important part of Tasmania’s biosecurity strategy which aims to protect our marine environment as well as our valuable aquaculture and fishing industries.”