Science Centres: Aquatic Biodiversity and Biosecurity

Illegal imports found in the 2005 bust included the tropical weed, anchored water hyacinth (Eichhornia azurea) and the new-to-New Zealand mermaid weed (Proserpinaca palustris). (Photo: Paul Champion, NIWA)

NIWA’s aquatic weed experts are helping MAF Biosecurity New Zealand identify pest species brought into the country illegally for the aquarium and ornamental pond trade.

“We estimate that 75 percent of our current aquatic weeds were introduced to New Zealand this way,” says NIWA plant ecologist Paul Champion, “and these plants and their hitch-hikers can have serious consequences.”

Impacts include loss of power generation (estimated to be in excess of $10 million annually), impedance of irrigation and flood control schemes, recreation and cultural activities, and a decline in indigenous freshwater ecosystems; even loss of some internationally important habitats.

A suspicious package intercepted by MAF Biosecurity New Zealand at the Auckland International Mail Centre in 2005 resulted in NIWA identifying 11 plant species new to New Zealand. The importer was selling the plants on TradeMe for aquariums and was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment and a $25 000 fine last July – the first prosecution for illegally imported aquatic plants.