About this program
The proposed Clean Hull Plan
Currently, most regions in New Zealand take a different approach to managing marine pests. Councils in Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Waikato have worked towards sharing a single, consistent set of rules relating to hull fouling on vessels; a significant pathway for establishment and spread of marine pests.
Consultation and planning
Following consultation in 2019 that showed support for a common set of rules a detailed draft plan is being developed by the four councils, in partnership with Biosecurity New Zealand (the Ministry of Primary Industries) and the Department of Conservation.
The proposed Clean Hull Plan seeks to prevent marine pests being spread by moving boats. It would be an Inter-regional Pathway Management Plan under the Biosecurity Act and complements other developments in marine biosecurity, such as strict requirements for craft arriving in New Zealand waters
It includes a clear set of simple rules for boat and marine structure owners which, much like rules currently in place, require craft to meet a biofouling standard when moving, and have requirements on all gear and equipment. There is also a requirement for operators to provide specific information about hull maintenance and movements. A rule relating to high risk marine structures is being considered.
What happens next?
No decisions have been made yet. Te Tiriti partners, councils and a wide range of key stakeholders are being approached for practical feedback. Once this feedback is taken into account and the draft plan finalised, it will go into a formal consultation process. The consultation process will allow all individuals, businesses, organisations, and groups with interest to input and share their views, before final decisions are made.
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Clean Hull Plan partners:
