Science Centres: Aquatic Biodiversity and Biosecurity

NIWA has undertaken a survey for the invasive sea squirt Styela clava (clubbed tunicate) at 26 ports and marinas around New Zealand on behalf of Biosecurity New Zealand.

Fears that the clubbed tunicate – discovered at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour in August – could cause problems on New Zealand marine farms and potentially compete with native organisms prompted a rapid response from Biosecurity New Zealand. Knowing where the clubbed tunicate is found nationwide is essential for Biosecurity New Zealand to develop a course of action against this exotic species.

NIWA was able to develop rapid surveillance techniques and train staff members from around the country to find and identify the clubbed tunicate. Starting in November, they surveyed 25 of the sites in just four weeks, with the survey of Whakatane Harbour awaiting suitable visibility conditions. In addition to the original Viaduct Harbour and Lyttelton Port sites, the clubbed tunicate was found at a marina in the wider Lyttelton Harbour and at the Tutukaka Marina (Northland).

NIWA has been contracted by Biosecurity New Zealand to study vessel movements between ports and marinas around New Zealand to identify the main pathways for spread of marine pests.

For more information:
www.biosecurity.govt.nz/seasquirt
www.niwascience.co.nz/ncabb/tools/sea_squirt