Urged to clean hull to avoid marine pests catching a ride

INVASIVE PEST: Gisborne District Council's biosecurity team has called on boat owners to ensure the hulls of their craft are kept clean of invasive marine pests like the Mediteranean fanworm (pictured). File picture

The district's boating fraternity has been asked to keep hulls clean to ensure harmful marine pests like Mediterranean fanworm do not enter the port over summer.

In a statement on Gisborne District Council's website, boaties are urged to pay close attention to hidden areas on their crafts as these could contain contaminants from other ports.

'The Regional Pest Management Plan allows for no more than a 'slime layer' on the hull of a vessel and we recommend anti-fouling every one to two years,' said GDC biosecurity team leader Phil Karaitiana.

'Marine pests disrupt the natural biodiversity of the ecosystem and can pose a huge risk to native flora and fauna.'

Mr Karaitiana says pests like Mediterranean fanworm form dense colonies, disrupt native wildlife and look unsightly.

The council's biosecurity team and Eastland Port work together on monitoring and education to keep the harbour pest-free.

'Biosecurity divers will be in Gisborne later this summer to complete a survey of marine pests at the port,' said Mr Karaitiana.

'We recommend local boat owners check the rules for other regions before travelling there.

'It is a good idea to submit antifouling documentation before arriving. This will avoid travel delays or the risk of being turned away at a port.

'If you see anything suspicious or suspect you have found a marine pest, don't attempt to remove it yourself but instead record the location, take a photo and let the council's biosecurity team know immediately.'