NT: Tiny mussel the worst threat yet: pearling giant = 2

AAP General News (Australia)
04-07-1999
NT: Tiny mussel the worst threat yet: pearling giant = 2

The federal government today announced that it was willing to provide $100,000 or more if
needded, to help the Northern Territory fight the black-striped mussel pest.

"The implications of such a damaging pest establishing in Australian waters could be a
national catastrophe for both the natural marine environment and for all marine-based
industries," federal Environment Minister Robert Hill said.

He said that he had written to Mr Palmer saying the federal government was willing to meet
any reasonable request for money from the $100,000 introduced marine pests emergency fund.

"Considering the nature of the problem I have also indicated that we are prepared to top up
the fund if necessary," Senator Hill said.

Federal Fisheries Minister Mark Vaile said the Northern Territory, commonwealth and state
agencies were combining resources to work with marine-based industries and recreational boat
owners "in an ongoing campaign to contain the pest outbreak".

AAP wjh/cfm/jnb

KEYWORD: MUSSELS 2 DARWIN (REOPENS)

1999 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.