Ports surveyed for marine pests

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Researchers from NIWA have recently surveyed ports at Milford Sound (Fiordland) and Taharoa Ironsands Terminal (Waikato) for foreign marine organisms.

The surveys were carried out in May and June as part of a nationwide port surveillance programme set up by Biosecurity New Zealand in 2001.

The surveys are designed to determine which non-native marine species have already become established and to develop a baseline for early detection of new pests. Additional surveillance surveys are targeted at eight problem species, two of which have been recorded in New Zealand.

A team of divers carried out a thorough search of all port and marina structures, seabed habitats, and beaches, collecting samples of plants, plankton, invertebrates, fish, and seafloor sediments. They also laid baited traps to collect crabs and shrimps. Video and still images were captured of seabed communities and fouling organisms to identify species growing on underwater structures such as wharf pilings.

The 1645 samples (1130 from Taharoa and 515 from Milford) are being distributed to experts in New Zealand and overseas for identification through Biosecurity New Zealand’s Marine Invasives Taxonomic Service, managed by NIWA. This process will take several months.

Once identified, NIWA will report on each species’ status (whether native, non-native, or of unknown status), its location at the surveyed ports, and its known distribution within New Zealand and globally. Biosecurity New Zealand will use this information to assess any management actions required. Their conclusions will be made publicly available.

‘Port users and operators, including fishers and boat-owners, can play an active role in marine biosecurity by reporting the presence of new or unusual organisms to Biosecurity New Zealand’, says NIWA survey project leader Dr Graeme Inglis.

To report suspicious finds, please phone the free Biosecurity New Zealand hotline:
0800 80 99 66.

Additional Information

  1. The Milford Sound survey was carried out from 7 to 14 June, covering the area from Deepwater Basin to Poison Bay.
  2. The Taharoa Ironsands Terminal survey was carried out over 8 days from 23 May to 1 July. The survey area extended from Waioioi Reef to Waiohipa Stream.
  3. The eight problem species targeted by additional surveillance are:
    • Asterias amurensis (North Pacific seastar)
    • Carcinus maenas (European shore crab)
    • Caulerpa taxifolia (aquarium weed)
    • Eriochier sinensis (Chinese mitten crab)
    • Potamocorbula amurensis (Asian clam)
    • Sabella spallanzanii (Mediterranean fanworm) Styela clava (clubbed tunicate – a sea squirt)*
    • Undaria pinnatifida (undaria – a type of seaweed)*
    * These species are known to be in New Zealand. The rest have not been recorded in New Zealand.

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