Protecting the
coastlines we love

Ask a room full of boaties, commercial operators and marina managers about marine biosecurity and you'll probably hear a range of opinions. For some it's common sense. Others question whether the investment is worthwhile

Last summer Waikato Regional Harbourmaster Chris Bredenbeck did some informal testing on his 40 foot launch, Te Wairua. What did he find?  

Don’t leave it until the last week because haulouts, hardstands and contractors are talking about a busy summer ahead. For boat owners that means a need to get in contact with their favourite facility and make bookings if they are going to get lifted, washed or antifouled ahead of the summer cruising season.

How an invasion of blue crabs has devastated a historical fishing industry in Italy.

It’s here! The official opening of a new 110-tonne Cimolai travel lift at Nelson Marina on 21 September is good news for marine biosecurity and boat owners wanting more maintenance options. The new lift doubles the marina's previous lifting capacity and can accommodate vessels with a beam of up to 8.5 metres, including larger boats and multihulls.

Keeping boat hulls clean is important for preventing the spread of marine pests, reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency. But new research has confirmed another environmental issue: the tiny fragments of antifouling paint released when vessels are cleaned in the water.

A new exhibition at Mercury Bay Museum in Whitianga explores the challenges facing the Hauraki Gulf and the work underway to restore its marine environment.

Get ahead of the rush! Boat owners planning to go cruising this summer are being encouraged to plan and book their summer hull maintenance now, before boatyards and marine trades enter their busiest period.