Boat clubs get marine pest savvy

New accreditation program incorporates marine biosecurity education

When Yachting New Zealand created an environmental accreditation program for New Zealand’s 108 yacht clubs in 2021, it recognised the importance of marine biosecurity in protecting our coastlines.

Now clubs endeavouring to meet the program’s standards will be encouraged to support education around marine biosecurity.

Yachting New Zealand’s request of participating clubs is that they ask members to keep their boats cleaned and well maintained. This includes knowing to check the rules, maintaining a clean hull, and to haul out and clean their boat before moving it. The program also warns against cleaning in-water because of the danger of scraping off contaminants including heavy metals and marine pests.

Find out about the Clean Club programme here
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