Aussies warned about 'terrible' threat taking over waterways: 'Be on the lookout'

Yahoo

19-03-2025

Authorities are urging the public to keep an eye out for a notorious species of clam — one of the globe's "worst invaders" — that's taking over Australian waterways.
Particularly prevalent in Brisbane, conservationists and biosecurity agencies are warning Aussies to monitor for freshwater gold clam. The Invasive Species Council's Dr Carol Booth warned the pest, if left unchecked, can explode in numbers.
"Another potentially terrible invader is now permanently established in Australia with the potential to transform freshwater ecosystems," Booth told Yahoo News Australia.
"This clam tends to become extremely abundant (sometimes in excess of 10,000 a square metre) and outcompete native mussels. It can alter nutrient cycles, reduce water quality and transform food webs." Booth said during extreme weather events, large numbers die and release toxic amounts of ammonia. "It is on Europe's list of 100 of the worst invaders," she said.
"Globally it has cost upwards of $12 billion, with most costs documented in North America."
Biodiversity Queensland, a division of the state's Department of Primary Industries, urged both locals and visitors to Brisbane to keep their eyes peeled.
"When you're out near waterways in Brisbane, be on the lookout and report freshwater gold clam. Early detection is key to containment and tracking of this pest," it said.
"When boating, make sure you come clean and go clean to minimise the biosecurity risk of transferring this invasive species to new areas by: checking wheel arches on trailers, boat propellers, fishing tackle and footwear for river mud and debris."
It warned of the importance of keeping boats, trailers, wetsuits, fishing rods and equipment clean, allowing it to dry completely before using them at other locations.
Booth urged governments to invest more resources towards the fight against invasive species.
"This species was recognised by the federal government as a high priority to keep out of the country — a 'higher risk' invader on Australia's National Priority List of Exotic Environmental Pests, Weeds and Diseases Dataset," Booth said.
But, like thousands of other invasive and introduced species across the country, the pest made its way here anyway. According to Booth, the failure to stop the gold freshwater clam from arriving and establishing in Australia is "yet more evidence that environmental biosecurity" across the nation needs "much more investment".
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Originally from Asia, freshwater gold clam reproduces by self-fertilisation and can release thousands of juveniles, allowing it to spread aggressively in rivers, lakes and other freshwater systems.
It can cause serious infrastructure problems by clogging water pipes, irrigation systems, and hydroelectric facilities. Their ability to form dense colonies can lead to blockages, increasing maintenance costs for water treatment plants and industries that rely on freshwater systems.
Yahoo News Australia has sought comment from Queensland's Department of Primary Industries regarding the extent of the infestation in the state.
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