Biosecurity NZ reports a busy season for recreational craft arrivals

A lone yacht in Whangatupere Bay, Karikari Peninsula Northland. Photo credit: Project Kahurangi

It’s been a busy yacht season, with more recreational craft arriving to New Zealand shores than expected after the lifting of pandemic-related travel restrictions. According to latest figures, approximately 382 yachts were cleared by officers between October and early January.

That included more than 220 yachts at Opua – a significant increase on the projected 160 yachts. Marsden Cove also had relatively high numbers, with about 70 yachts while in Auckland (Westhaven, Silo and Viaduct marinas), about 40 yachts were cleared. In comparison, officers cleared 158 yachts in total in the 2021 season. An especially busy week saw an almost record number of daily arrivals, which made for some long, hot days and saw a large number of seizures.

The usual food, plants, animals, equipment and personal items needed checking, but we also had some more notable discoveries. Giant clam shells and coral heads concealed under cabin floorboards had to be referred to the Department of Conservation to be checked against the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Termite infestations were found on two yachts and needed to be treated, and biofouling required a yacht to be hauled and cleaned.

This season saw a higher number of animals arriving on board, which Biosecurity NZ believe is due to pets being able to return for the first time since the pandemic. Animals on board yachts need to arrive at certain Port of First Arrival (PoFA) locations approved for both yacht and animal clearances, require documentation, and need to be seen by our officers. If they meet requirements, they are transferred to an approved facility for quarantine.

One unfortunate moggy didn’t have the necessary pre-arrival documentation so had to remain at a secure berth while awaiting clearance. These animals are fed and checked every day and any waste is collected and disposed of in an approved manner.

Overall, officials have  been impressed by the general cooperation of crew, and their awareness of and compliance with biosecurity requirements, the clearance process, and best practice maintenance for biofouling.

Biosecurity New Zealand says: Thanks to our Northland and Auckland teams, who worked together to get the job done. Special thanks for the invaluable support of New Zealand Customs’ Northland team, Bay of Islands Marina and Far North Holdings’ team.