Our marine paradise
For many of us, the sea is our happy place. A day out with family or mates, getting some kai, or whatever gets us out in a boat – among waves and fresh air. That’s our marine paradise – but it's threatened by invasive marine pests.
Two ways pests and weeds can spread
Over the years, there’s been a lot of talk about hull fouling – and that’s still something that needs to be managed. Minimising fouling keeps a boat moving well and avoids shifting around invasive fouling species, like the clubbed tunicate and Mediterranean fanworm.
But the arrival of exotic caulerpa in upper North Island waters has highlighted the threat of invasive seaweeds that can spread as fragments. These get caught up on your anchor, anchor chain, or any gear that goes down near the seabed, like fishing or dive gear.
What you can do
Preventing spread in the first place is the best strategy because once an invasive marine pest is established – removal is tricky and costly.
You probably clean your craft and gear as part of caring for it so that it goes better and lasts longer. In the same way, cleaning for biosecurity is part of caring for the ocean we get to use and enjoy.
Marine biosecurity cleaning for boaties
For all boats – check and clean the gear and anchor and manage on-board water before you move during a trip.
For a trailer boat – drain the bilge and clean when you get home.
For a moored boat – keep your hull and niche areas clean and maintain antifouling.
Marine biosecurity is everyone's responsibility
Marine biosecurity protects everything we value about the ocean and coast — recreation, fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, or simply the joy of walking on a beach. Most of the biosecurity risk is created by people travelling or transporting goods.
In New Zealand, biosecurity is considered to be everyone’s responsibility. That includes anyone working in or enjoying the ocean, as well as government, councils, the public, and iwi.
Find out about work being done to protect marine areas
The Top of the North Marine Partnership
The Top of the South Marine Partnership
Other information about marine biosecurity
Regional marine biosecurity rules
About the 'Protect Our Paradise' campaign
The 'Protect Our Paradise' campaign aims to inspire and help recreational boaties to stop the spread of invasive marine pests and protect the incredible marine spaces we all enjoy. It is funded by Biosecurity New Zealand, on behalf of a network of regional and national organisations.
The Protect our Paradise campaign
