Your burning questions answered
More than 200 people registered for our Marine Pest ID webinar and some submitted questions that we didn’t have the opportunity to respond to during the event.
Here are our responses.
Q: What are job opportunities relating to marine biosecurity in New Zealand?
A: Marine biologists, policy specialists, compliance officers and ambassadors/educators are all getting involved with marine biosecurity. Suitably skilled scientific divers are in top demand right now. Keep an eye on Trademe jobs, Seek, Conjobs and ask your regional council marine biosecurity teams and local dive companies (in particular those that contract to councils) if any opportunities are available.
Q. Can you explain how Matauranga Māori is included in marine biosecurity processes.
A. A successful biosecurity system will draw knowledge from a variety of valuable sources, including mātauranga Māori. We work closely with many hapū/iwi in relation to marine biosecurity planning and response. This has been particularly instrumental to the response to exotic caulerpa in communities in the Bay of Islands, the Hauraki Gulf and Coromandel.
Q: What are marinas’ responsibilities to keep our boats safe?
A: Most marinas are very concerned about marine pest incursions. Many, especially in pristine locations like the Coromandel, Bay and Plenty and Northland, have specific requirements over and above the regional rules. They are requiring evidence that boats have been cleaned or antifouled before they arrive - and they can and will follow up on this if there is any doubt.
Some marinas are unfortunately infested by pests like Mediterranean fanworm, and those close to international ports are particularly vulnerable to new incursions if any new pest slips through New Zealand’s marine biosecurity defence system. Finding ways to deal with this is the topic of extensive research in New Zealand and around the world but so far, hand removal is the only way to effectively remove Mediterranean fanworm from structures, but this is not considered feasible if there is a large amount present. Therefore, it is the responsibility of boat operators to ensure their boats are clean and free from pests before they visit new locations. It will take all of us, and we thank boat owners for doing the right thing.
Q: Recommendations regarding best antifoul agent to use on a boat hull
A: This will depend on a number of factors including where your boat is, how often it is used, how fast it travels, amongst other things. We recommend talking to your neighbour in your marina, your local boatyard, and to specialist paint shops, to find out which product is best for boats in the same situation as yours.
Q: I am interested in hearing about species that have been successfully eradicated after arrival
A: The ideal situation for authorities dealing with a marine pest incursion is that it’s found early, when it is not yet well-established and is present in small numbers. This is called ‘early detection’. Often, removal is done manually, dealing with the creatures individually. It has been done successfully many times with Mediterranean fanworm, including in Tutukaka, Gisborne, Tauranga and Picton. Each incursion has required diligent checking, rechecking and surveillance. You can read about fanworm eradication in Tutukaka Marina here.
Q: What are the effects and controls in place from international shipping
A: You may have seen in the media stories of ships being turned away from New Zealand at the border. New Zealand was the first country to implement nationwide regulations to manage risks associated with biofouling on international vessels coming into our waters, including ballast water. As a first defence, all commercial and recreational vessels arriving in New Zealand are required to fulfil the requirements of the Craft Risk Management Standard – Vessels (CRMS-VESSELS), proving they have managed biofouling on their vessels before they enter New Zealand waters. Biosecurity New Zealand (the biosecurity arm of the Ministry for Primary Industries) assesses the biofouling risk of a vessel prior to its arrival based on documents supplied by the operator, including evidence of continual maintenance, cleaning, or treatment to verify the vessel complies with the rules.
Q: What is the Regional Council's role and responsibility for monitoring boats, issuing notices and facilitating the ongoing availability of environmentally sound facilities to keep boat hulls clean and in good condition.
A: The approach currently differs between regional councils, and this is one of the reasons that councils in the Top of the North have been working towards a consistent regulatory approach. In regions with a Regional Pest Management Plan under the Biosecurity Act that includes marine pests, or if a Marine Pathway Management Plan or pathway style rules exist, there is generally a system of surveillance and enforcement in place. While several councils own and operate facilities for a variety of reasons, most haulout yards are private businesses.
Q. What are some of the opportunities to develop systems and aquaculture to help eradicate and control these pests
Aquaculture New Zealand recognises the threat of marine pests and has a voluntary industry standard with biosecurity guidance and a management plan in place to protect its farmers from pests and diseases. Read more about A+ Biosecurity here.
View our responses to more questions on our FAQ page