The hunt for marine pests gets back underway

by Zoe Hawkins 4 Oct 01:21 PDT 4 October 2021

Eudistoma on Scotts Landing wharf © Samantha Happy, Auckland Council

Summer surveillance is set to get underway again soon, with divers in Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato (Coromandel), Gisborne and Hawkes Bay and checking moored and berthed vessels, and marine structures for marine pests.

They are looking out for species including Asian date mussel (Arcuatula senhousia), Australian droplet tunicate (Eudistoma elongatum), clubbed tunicate (Styela clava), sea squirt (Clavelina oblonga) and Mediterranean fanworm (Sabella spallanzanii).

Other unwanted species not known to be in New Zealand yet – but which divers will also be vigilant for – include northern Pacific seastar (Asterias amurensis), European green crab (Carcinus maenas) the green alga (Caulerpa taxifolia), Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) and Asian clam (Potamocorbula amurensis).

Hull Surveillance K. Leonard - photo © K. Leonard

If a marine pest is found, it’s likely that the council will be in contact with the boat or structure owner to let them know and to arrange for cleaning, if needed. Steps taken will depend on the pest found, and the level of biofouling.

Boaties can get info on keeping their boat cleaned and well maintained, find a local haulout, and check up on the rules, at www.marinepests.nz

Dredging company takes Marine Biosecurity onboard
Heron Construction is a commercial vessel operator that takes marine biosecurity seriously. Heron Construction is a commercial vessel operator that takes marine biosecurity seriously. It goes to great efforts to keep its barges, tugs and dredgers clean when they move up and down the country to build and maintain ports, wharves and marinas Posted on 18 Nov

Marine Biosecurity: Gotchya! A good news story
What happened when this marine pest was found in Tauranga An example of how surveillance is working to protect our coastlines from marine pests: The invasive Lightbulb sea squirt (Clavelina lepadiformis) was detected at Sulphur Point Marina in Tauranga, and here's how it was eradicated. Posted on 12 Nov

Marine Biosecurity: The speed cost of a dirty hull
A clean hull benefits a boat's performance – and a dirty hull reduces it. But exactly how much so? “Ask any racing yachtsperson if their boat is slower when fouled, even with a bit of slime,” says antifoul coating specialist Kevin Purdy. “The answer will be an emphatic yes.” Posted on 29 Oct

Marine Biosecurity: Five alternatives to Antifoul
Antifoul is considered our best line of defence against marine pests, but it's not the only option. Antifoul is considered our best line of defence against marine pests, but it's not the only option. From simply using your boat more often, to sophisticated technologies, here are some other options to consider. Posted on 21 Oct

Marine Biosecurity: Line of first defence
Part 1 in a series about anti-foul coatings from the team behind ‘Clean Below? Good to Go' Part one in a series of three articles about antifoul coatings from the team behind ‘Clean Below? Good to go' addresses how the global industry is coming up with solutions to biofouling challenges. Posted on 13 Oct

Biosecurity Rules issued for Aotea Great Barrier
Aotea Mana Whenua imposes a rahui on some areas of Aotea Great Barrier to control new seaweed pest If you're planning to sail to Aotea Great Barrier Island, there are currently biosecurity rules in place there to control a newly discovered seaweed pest. Aotea Mana Whenua governance group has imposed a rahui over the same areas. Posted on 27 Sep

The hunt for marine pests gets back underway

Related Articles