Fanworm stopped from spreading in Coromandel

Mediterranean fanworm.

A harbour surveillance programme on the Coromandel Peninsula has led to the quick identification of the marine pest fanworm, preventing its spread to other vessels.

It's the second year Waikato Regional Council has used the Bay of Plenty Regional Council dive team for the month-long surveillance programme targeting popular boating havens.
Waikato's biosecurity pest animals team leader Brett Bailey said marine pests could move around on hulls and have a big impact on native marine life, aquaculture industry and coastlines.

"Early detection is essential if we're going to stop their spread," Mr Bailey said.

Fanworm, also known as sabella, can establish in large colonies and will out-compete natives such as oysters, scallops and mussels, for food and space.

So far it is only in a few New Zealand harbours and in the Waikato region it's limited to Coromandel Harbour.

"Of course, we want it to stay that way because of the massive impact it can have on our marine ecosystems, but the movement of infested vessels is the biggest risk to our water. As part of our surveillance programme we found a small infestation of fanworm on the hull of a boat moored in Whitianga harbour earlier this month.

"We alerted the owner, who immediately returned from overseas to get the infestation removed and the hull cleaned.

"Boaties need to be diligent to minimise the risk of it spreading, and let us know if they find it by calling our biosecurity team on 0800 800 401," Mr Bailey said.