Hunt for marine pests resumes, extra vigilance sought

Contract divers plan to check more than 2000 boat hulls from now until May next year as part of an ongoing search targeting unwanted pests threatening Te Taitokerau’s marine environment.

And officials are asking boat owners to be especially vigilant due to an expected increase in the number of vessels visiting the region as part of Kiwis more domestically-focussed Covid-era holiday arrangements.

Jack Craw (who chairs the Northland Regional Council’s Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party) says the 2020-2021 hull inspection programme had begun in earnest at Mangonui in the Far North recently.

Northland-based dive contractors Marine Environmental Field Services – which had carried out the surveys for the past two years – would be back in the water again this season.

Councillor Craw says authorities are keen to ensure vessels are free of marine pests before their owners start travelling to new areas with the onset of warmer summer weather.

“With the global Covid-19 pandemic forcing a rethink on holiday plans for many, we’re expecting higher numbers of vessels to be holidaying in Northland over the approaching summer so our message of ensuring their vessel’s hull is clean before they arrive is paramount.”

Biosecurity Specialist - Marine Pests Kaeden Leonard pulls up undaria, an unwanted seaweed, encountered in the Far North recently.

Councillor Craw, who represents the council’s Whangārei Urban constituency, says one of the unwanted pests authorities are targeting – Mediterranean fanworm (Sabella spallanzanii) – is unfortunately now well-established in Whangārei Harbour.

He says if a vessel in Whangarei Harbour is found to be harbouring Mediterranean fanworm an inspection notice and warning letter will be left on the vessel advising its owner its hull needs to be cleaned if it is going to move to another designated place/harbour.

“In all other Northland harbours, a fanworm discovery on a vessel hull will result in a direction to haul it out for cleaning immediately (at the owner’s cost) and they may also be subject to prosecution.”

Kathryn Lister, the council’s Biosecurity Manager – Marine, says among a range of unwanted marine nasties divers will be checking for on hulls and other artificial structures are a number already known to be in New Zealand.

These include Asian date mussel (Arcuatula senhousia), Australian droplet tunicate (Eudistoma elongatum), clubbed tunicate (Styela clava), little bottles sea squirt (Clavelina oblonga) and Mediterranean fanworm.

Other unwanted species not known to be here 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).

Ms Lister says if boat owners are keen to know whether their boat was inspected – and the results – they’re welcome to email [email protected]

“Email us your vessel name and mooring/berth location and if your vessel is one of the 2000-plus hulls inspected in the upcoming survey you’ll be notified.”

She says in addition to rules covering transportation of marine pests, the council has rules limiting the amount of ‘biofouling’ (build-up of microorganisms, algae, plants and pests) vessels can be carrying when they enter new spots.

“Vessel hulls are the most common way for marine pests to hitch a ride from one place to the next and our Marine Pathway Management Plan aims to manage this issue.”

Under the plan, any vessel entering Northland waters or moving from one harbour to another must have no more than ‘light fouling’, defined as a slime layer and/or barnacles and a few patches of macrofouling.

“Marine pests can hitchhike and hide within boat fouling, so preventing the movement of affected vessels is the best way to stop the spread of marine invaders,” Ms Lister says.

“If a pest species is detected, owners will be asked to haul the vessels out and clean or treat them in a timeframe appropriate to the level of risk. A $500 fine may also apply.”

Ms Lister says it’s always worth bearing in mind that marine pests found on vessels have often been concealed in ‘niche’ areas, which require special attention when applying antifouling or during a ‘lift and wash’ period.

“We strongly recommend double-checking these niche areas, like the base of the keel, and inside intakes and bow thrusters, before your vessel goes back in the water.”

She says the regional council continues to be extremely appreciative of the steps so many boaties are already taking to keep their boat hulls clean and similarly, the great support from Northland’s marina operators.

“Marina operators have been requiring a receipt proving a vessel conforms to what’s been dubbed the ‘six or one’ initiative; being either antifouled within the preceding six months or having undergone a ‘lift and wash’ within the preceding month.”

She says more information on the council’s rules and requirements can be found at www.nrc.govt.nz/marinebiosecurity