No sign of Mediterranean fanworm or other invasive pests

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

The dive team who did biosecurity checks in Eastland Port looking for Mediterranean fanworm and other marine pests came up empty-handed.

Gisborne District Council’s biosecurity team leader Phillip Karaitiana reported the team found nothing of concern.

The divers, from Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s biosecurity team supported by Biosecurity NZ, conducted a thorough invasive species surveillance last week, “revealing the absence of marine pests”, he said.

“Previously, Gisborne had seen a small area of undaria and Mediterranean fanworm (sabella spallanzani) present since 2015.

“After inspection, no marine pests were located within the search area,” Mr Karaitiana said.

The divers had good visibility on the dive days.

“A search spanning 1.58 hectares from Gisborne inner marina out to the inner harbour area took place.

“Most areas were covered but vessel placement meant a few brief sections were inaccessible.”

“All vessels in the marina were inspected,” Mr Karaitiana said.

“There were four vessels with marine growth present on their hulls, also known as fouling, that pose no biosecurity risk,” Mr Karaitiana said.

The dive was particularly noteworthy as it marked the first dive since Cyclone Gabrielle.