A major water search has been launched after the discovery of another three Mediterranean fanworms in the Tauranga Harbour.
Divers from Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) and University of Waikato will start searching high risk areas of the harbour this week for the unwanted marine pest, also known as sabella spallanzanii.
The discovery of the fanworms were made during routine marine biosecurity surveillance work commissioned by Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Two fanworms were found in Sulphur Point Marina and one in Bridge Marina.
"It's really disappointing to find this pest in our harbour again," said Warwick Murray, general manager natural resource operations for the regional council.
"We all want to keep Tauranga Harbour healthy, but it's boat owners that can make the biggest difference in preventing the spread of marine pests. We need both local and visiting boaties to be vigilant by keeping their anti-fouling paint in good order and ensuring their hull, trailer and fishing gear is thoroughly clean before they travel to a new region or harbour," he said.