Stu Kneebone, Waipa/King Country Councillor. Photo supplied
The potential risks from incursions of harmful pests in the marine environment have been growing following the incursion of Mediterranean Fanworm (Sabella spallanzanii) in New Zealand back in 2008.
Despite intensive efforts to restrict its spread, it has managed to spread throughout much of the Waitemata, Whangarei and Coromandel Harbours.
In response, Waikato Regional Council has been working with its neighbouring regional councils, Department of Conservation and the Ministry for Primary Industries to put in place measures to better manage the risks posed by marine pests.
The proposed Clean Hull Plan seeks to prevent marine pests from being spread by moving boats, as this is the highest risk pathway for marine pest spread.
The partner agencies are proposing a regulatory regime, which would mean a simple set of rules across the upper North Island (including Waikato) for owners or people in charge of vessels that would require them to ensure hulls are kept clean.
Note these proposals are intended for craft that are permanently in the water (ie, not trailer boats). Craft will be required to meet a biofouling standard, and gear and equipment on moving craft must be free of fouling and sediment.
Operators will be required to provide information in relation to hull maintenance and craft movements. Marine structures (ie wharves and other in water structures) will require biosecurity management plans.
These proposed regulations are intended to complement a range of other existing biosecurity regulations that currently apply to craft arriving in New Zealand waters from overseas, along with existing communication programmes to encourage awareness of the issues and encourage good practices.
As well as Mediterranean Fanworm, other pests currently in New Zealand are Caulerpa, Undaria and Asian paddle crab. There are other species not yet in the country, but with potential for significant impact on our marine ecosystem.
This programme is being piloted in the upper North Island, as it has 70% of New Zealand’s vessel fleet, and an average of one-to-two new pest incursions every year. However, the long-term intention is for it to extend throughout the country.
The proposed Clean Hull Plan will become what is known as a “national pathway management plan,” under the Biosecurity Act.
Vessel movements are estimated to account for 90% of marine pest spread. Once established, new pests are very challenging to manage, and the potential financial impact for vessel owners and the marine farming sector/aquaculture industry is significant.
Total estimated benefits are expected to be in the vicinity of $97 – $194 million/annum once the programme is established and working.
The proposed plan has been in development since 2019, and it is hoped that it will be finalised for public consultation within the next six months.
We are waiting for approval from the Minister for Biosecurity for the programme to be national, and then a cabinet decision on funding to support a cost sharing model. Further information is available online at marinepests.nz.
Clean Hull Plan — Clean Below? Good to go.
