More fast successful Mediterranean fanworm responses

Successful responses to detections of Mediterranean fanworm, an Unwanted Organism and an Notifiable Organism under the Biosecurity Act 1993, underline the importance of vigilant surveillance and prompt response.

Mediterranean fanworm on a heavily infested boat / Photo Northland Regional Council

In Wellington, three possible incursions were stopped in their tracks following a Level of Fouling (LOF) boat hull survey in December.

Greater Wellington (GW) and Top of the South (TOS) Marine Biosecurity Partnership conducted the initial Level of Fouling (LOF) boat hull survey from 2-5 December 2024 at Chaffers Marina, Clyde Quay, Evan’s Bay Marina, Seaview Marina, and Mana Marina. 

A yacht at Chaffers Marina was found to have a solitary Mediterranean fanworm, as was a yacht berthed at Seaview Marina. Two Mediterranean fanworm were found on a yacht in Mana Marina. None of the fanworm were reproductively mature and all were successfully removed by divers. Divers searched jetties and piles immediately adjacent to the fanworm-infested boats and no fanworm were found.

Gisborne has also had success: four years ago over thirty fanworm were found during dive surveillance. A joint agency response between Gisborne District Council and Biosecurity New Zealand was initiated, and no fanworm were found in the latest dives in January and December 2024.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s dive team at work in Gisborne Harbour. Photo / Bay of Plenty Regional Council

In ‘fanworm-free’ Whangamatā Harbour, routine dive surveillance identified Mediterranean fanworm on three vessels that had traveled from infested areas. These boats were hauled out and the fanworm safely removed. 

Mediterranean fanworm was also removed from Whangaparapara and Port Fitzroy during routine surveillance operations by Auckland Council at Aotea Great Barrier Island.