AAP General News (Australia)
04-08-1999
NT: Government promises $100,000 to fight mussel pest
The federal government says it's willing to provide $100,000 or more, if necessary, to help
the Northern Territory fight the black-striped mussel pest.
The tiny mussel, found in a Darwin marina last week, may pose one of the greatest threats
yet to Australia's $350 million-a-year pearling industry.
Pearling giant Paspaley Pearls is so concerned it has started a massive monitoring program
on its farms, which are strung along 1,500km of Australia's north-west coast.
Federal Environment Minister ROBERT HILL says the pest has the potential to cause a
catastrophe in the maritime environment and all marine-based industries.
He says the government's $100,000 commitment will be topped up if necessary.
More than 100 tonnes of chlorine and about 2.5 tonnes of copper sulphate have been poured
into Darwin's luxury Cullen Bay Marina in a bid to wipe out the mussels.
AAP RTV wjh/rp/jn/lw/am
KEYWORD: MUSSELS (DARWIN)
1999 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
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