The Tauranga owner of a boat infested with marine pests which was found moored in Pilot Bay has agreed to haul it from the water and clean the hull on his return from overseas.
The regional council, which has refused to name the boat and the person who owns it said the owner was due to return from overseas on December 1.
A Ministry of Primary Industries spokesperson said the ministry was "carefully considering" whether any charges should be laid as under the Biosecurity Act 1993 it was an offence to knowingly move an unwanted organism.
There were a number of charges that could be considered, the spokesperson said.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council biosecurity officer Hamish Lass said contract divers made the find in mid-November during the first round of a new proactive marine pest surveillance programme in Tauranga Harbour.
It is estimated the boat has more than 100 Mediterranean fanworms on its hull, as well as a number of clubbed tunicate sea squirts, which are both unwanted organisms under the Biosecurity Act.
Mr Lass said these pests threaten seafood stocks, aquaculture and local marine life due to their growth and feeding habits, and can do costly damage to boat equipment and marine structures.
The vessel owner, who bought the boat in Auckland, failed to check the bottom of the boat before sailing it to Tauranga in December last year, he said.
"It is frustrating that the boat owner didn't clean his boat hull before travelling to Tauranga, or even when he arrived here."
Due to the size and number of fanworms found and the mooring duration it was possible the fanworms would have spawned in Pilot Bay, Mr Lass said.
Key features of Mediterranean fanworm
* Spiral fan of feeding tentacles on top of leathery tube
* Fan is white banded with pale fawn/orange or brown
* Tube is up to 40cm, dull grey brown coloured or muddy
* Similar in appearance to other organisms growing on it
* Commonly forms in clumps creating a canopy of feeding fans
* Attaches to hard surfaces including rocks, concrete, seabed organisms such as mussels and oysters, boat hulls, wharf and marina structures
* Anyone who sees marine pests and boats with heavily fouled hulls should immediately call the regional council on 0800 884 880