Marine gastropods, or sea snails and slugs, are found in a wide range of habitats, from the intertidal zone to the ocean depths and include turban snails, periwinkles, cowries, limpets, abalones, nerites, whelks and sea slugs (opisthobranchs). Whilst there are many native species, there are several species we are on the lookout for in NSW to protect our marine biodiversity.
The invasive New Zealand screwshell has successfully established populations in southern NSW as well as in Victoria and Tasmania. The Rapa or Veined whelk and the Slipper limpet remain exotic to Australia.
Learn to recognise, and be aware of, the below pests so you can report any suspected new sighting and take actions to help reduce the risks of these species spreading in or into NSW.
