Noxious Japanese kelp found in Fiordland

Boaties are being asked to check their vessels for hitchhiking seaweed, after a noxious Japanese kelp turned up in Fiordland.

Undaria pinnatifida is listed as an unwanted organism under the Biosecurity Act and is widespread on the east coast, but it has not been seen in Fiordland until now.

It is a fast-growing seaweed which can spread rapidly, displacing native species. It was accidentally introduced to New Zealand waters in the mid-1980s.

Environment Southland's Biosecurity manager Richard Bowman says even though only one adult plant has shown up so far at Sunday Cove in Breaksea Sound, there are likely to be more.

Mr Bowman says boaties need to ensure their hulls are clean of the weed to stop it spreading.

- NEWSTALK ZB