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Protect our waters from marine pests.
New Zealand’s unique marine environment is under threat from non-native marine pests. When they become established out of their native locations these introduced marine pests can cause irreversible damage to their new environment.
Samantha Happy, Auckland Council’s Marine biosecurity advisor, is investigating these pests.
“Marine pests spread easily through ballast water and hull fouling, threatening our natural underwater environments, biodiversity, seafood stocks and aquaculture industry," she says.
"They can also cause costly and unsightly damage to boat equipment, wharves and other marine structures."
Examples of marine pests already present in Auckland include the Mediterranean fanworm, Clubbed tunicate, Asian paddle crab, and the Australian droplet tunicate.
Keep your favourite fishing and diving spots pest-free for future generations. Help to prevent introductions and to reduce further spread of marine pests by checking and cleaning your boat hull, trailer, niche areas (including anchor bays and holding tanks) and water activity equipment before travelling to a different location.
If your boat is heavily fouled, haul it out. Cleaning in-water will only spread any pests that were hiding on there.
Be aware of regional rules before travelling.
Find out more about marine biosecurity including rules and regulations within the northern North Island regions.
