Keen eyes spot possible pest at Kawau

Sharon - a local biosecurity hero! 

A big thanks to Sharon Harper (pictured), a resident of Kawau Island, for joining us in the war against marine pests. Sharon found a carpet sea squirt growing on structures in North Cove at Kawau Island recently. She took photos and quickly  sent them to  the Ministry for Primary Industries through the “Report a Pest’ page. She also got in touch with the Auckland Council marine biosecurity team. While this is likely a known species that has been in Kawau for some time, samples have now been sent for testing in order to confirm if any further action is required. 

The fact is, we need more people like Sharon to let us know when they find something unusual. By detecting any incursion quickly, we maximise the opportunity to catch it in its early stages. 

Thanks Sharon for doing the right thing!