A couple who took their boat into Fiordland without a valid Clean Vessel Pass will have to repay inspection and clean up costs after their vessel was found to have a potentially high-risk species attached to it.
The boat was discovered as part of a joint agency compliance trip in
the area earlier this month, and was suspected to contain Sabella spallanzanii on board, commonly known as Mediterranean Fan Worm.
Environment Southland director of operations Jonathan Streat said the couple were very upset to discover they had transported a potentially high-risk species into the protected area.
"This boat had been cleaned some time ago and the owners had a Clean Vessel Pass, which they didn't realise had expired. Initially the hull appeared relatively clean but on further inspection of the niche areas, Sabellid species along with oysters, mussels and barnacles were found."
The exact species of Sabella has yet to be formally identified to confirm whether it is a native or pest species, but any suspected Sabella spallanzanii is a worrying find due to the invasive nature of this species he said.
