East Arm port expansion project, biting insect investigation October to December 2010

Abstract

The Northern Territory Department of Planning and Infrastructure (DPI) propose to expand the area around East Arm Port for port related infrastructure (Notice of Intent June 2009). The East Arm Port Area contains numerous mosquito breeding sites created by the original development, The East Arm area is also subject to very high seasonal biting midge pest problems, caused by the mangrove biting midge Culicoides ornatus. All mosquito breeding sites created by past development should be rectified during the expansion project. If possible, more of the upper tidal tributaries of Bleesers Creek should be removed as part of the current proposed development to reduce biting midge problems.