Protecting our aquatic biodiversity
Science Centres: Aquatic Biodiversity and Biosecurity
There are more than 150 exotic marine species already in our coastal waters, and at least one new species arrives every year, mostly on the hulls of visiting vessels. There is a very real potential for economic and environmental damage. We need to understand the impacts of these exotic invaders, and long-term dedicated effort is required to assess the risks and possible means of control.
NIWA has just established the National Centre for Aquatic Biodiversity & Biosecurity to help deal with these issues. The Centre will address biodiversity and biosecurity and bring research results to the community, including industry, iwi, councils, and Government agencies.
The aims of the Centre are to:
- enhance access to NIWA’s aquatic biodiversity and biosecurity expertise,
- increase awareness of the issues facing New Zealand,
- foster collaboration and cooperation between research organisations in New Zealand and overseas,
- develop new tools and techniques for scientists and the community.
This issue of Aquatic Biodiversity & Biosecurity (which replaces Biodiversity Update) focuses on New Zealand’s aquatic biosecurity. The focus is on the threats to biodiversity posed by the non-indigenous species that are already here and by possible new arrivals which could have undesirable impacts on our freshwater and marine communities.
As the main agency responsible for marine biosecurity, the Ministry of Fisheries is establishing a surveillance network to detect the arrival of marine pests in New Zealand waters. The network covers the parts of our coast that are most at risk, such as ports and areas where marine pests could have severe consequences, for example, marine reserves or areas designated for aquaculture. NIWA and other researchers are working with the Ministry to develop this network, assess risks, and develop mitigation measures.
Perhaps the greatest threat to our biosecurity is ignorance. Limited surveys and shortage of biosystematic expertise mean that for many areas we do not know what is out there and what damage is being done to our aquatic environments. Neither do we know what species are coming in on the many vessels that visit our ports or what the aquarium industry is bringing in.
Recent research results – included in this issue – have revealed a new northern Pacific goby found in Whangapoua Harbour, Coromandel, and in Waitemata Harbour, and a large population of Asian paddle crabs invading Waitemata Harbour. The National Centre for Aquatic Biodiversity & Biosecurity has an important role in working with resource managers on identifying the pests that have been introduced, where they are, and the threats they pose to our environment, economy, and biodiversity.