New campaign launches for summer boating season
A new marine biosecurity campaign now sits alongside Clean Below? Good to Go. The launch of Protect Our Paradise was jointly hosted by Marlborough Sounds Marinas, Marlborough District Council and Biosecurity New Zealand on Monday 14 October.
Minister for Biosecurity Hon Andrew Hoggard (centre) with Marlborough councillor Barbara Faulls and Port Marlborough CE Rhys Welbourn.
The new nationwide Protect Our Paradise campaign is connecting with boaties and linking them with biosecurity information, said Biosecurity New Zealand Pest Management Director John Walsh. “We have a boating paradise here that’s worth protecting.”
He said keeping a boat hull and gear clean extends their life and improves their performance, as well as avoiding taking along a nasty hitchhiker.
Minister Hoggard said prevention of spread in the first place is what he wants to emphasise, because of the difficulty of getting rid of an invasive pest like exotic caulerpa or Mediterranean fanworm once it has become established.
“The Protect Our Paradise campaign is exactly what I want to see more of around the country. Keep an eye and an ear out for more messaging about this important campaign.”
The topline message for boaties is: clean your hull, gear and anchor.
Three types of marine biosecurity cleaning are being promoted:
For all types of boats: check and clean off gear and anchor before you move during a trip
For trailer boats: drain the bilge and clean when you get home
For moored boats: keep your hull clean and maintain antifouling.