Ngā mihi o te Kirihimete me te Tau Hou
Season’s greetings for Christmas and the New Year

As 2024 comes to an end, we want to take a moment to reflect on the efforts made by our community to protect Aotearoa's precious marine environment - your contributions whether through survey work, compliance, or simply staying informed have played an important role. 

Together, we’re making meaningful progress in ensuring the health and sustainability of our marine spaces for future generations.

Top of the South summer marine pest surveillance programme 

The Top of the South summer marine pest surveillance programme has commenced and you can expect to see our dive teams out inspecting vessel hulls across Tasman, Nelson, and Marlborough in the coming weeks. 

The Top of the South faces potential marine pest invasions, particularly through fouling on the hulls of recreational vessels. The surveillance programme aims to educate boat users on the risks posed by marine pests, minimise the introduction of marine pests to the regions, and reduce the spread of species already present. 

Divers will target areas popular with boat users, including Abel Tasman National Park and Queen Charlotte Sound. Hulls and niche areas that are more likely to harbour marine pests, such as the keel, rudder, trim tabs, propeller shaft, pipe outlets, bow-thruster tunnels, and hard-stand support strips of vessels will be thoroughly inspected.  

Why does my vessel need to be surveyed? 
Marine pests hitchhike on dirty hulls! There are rules in place to protect our coastlines from unwanted marine pests. These surveys ensure there are no marine pests on your vessel. 

What can I expect? 
When out and about, our diving team may undertake a 5-minute snorkel survey to inspect the hull of your vessel for any marine pests and hull biofouling. You will also be asked for some basic information about your vessel. If your vessel is deemed to be a biosecurity risk, MPI and/or the relevant council will be contacted and will arrange a follow-up. You may be required to haul out your vessel to have it cleaned. 

Ensure your boat is pest-free 
It’s good seamanship not to let fouling build up beyond a light slime layer. Make sure you clean dirty hulls and niche areas, bilge water and all equipment. 

Marine biosecurity rules for Marlborough, Nelson, Tasman, and Wellington

As we head into the holidays and get out on our boats more, it's important to remember the marine biosecurity rules to avoid the risk of being turned away from your destination. 

Vessel hull fouling limits 
Your vessel’s hull must be clean when entering the Marlborough, Nelson, or Tasman regions. Ensure fouling on your vessel's hull and niche areas does not exceed ‘light fouling’ or Level 2 fouling on the Cawthron Level of Fouling scale, for example, small patches or isolated barnacles (1 - 5% coverage), unless:

• You're entering for a haul-out, which must happen within 24 hours.
• There's an emergency affecting the safety of the craft or people on board.
• There's a declared state of emergency.

This rule does not apply if:

• Your craft has met New Zealand's Craft Risk Management Standard for Biofouling within the past two months.
• Your craft is usually moored in the Tasman-Nelson region and leaves for no more than three days before returning.

Mediterranean fanworm (Sabella spallanzanii)
If you suspect that you have discovered Mediterranean fanworm on your vessel, you must notify the local Council. Council will work with you to create a plan to treat or manage the infestation on the vessel, preventing further spread.

You should not attempt to remove Mediterranean fanworm yourself, as disturbing or incorrectly removing can lead to the unwanted spread of this species.

Stop marine pests catching a free ride

A dirty boat doesn’t only cost you in fuel and speed – it can also be a haven for marine pest hitchhikers that can travel on our hulls, anchors and equipment, and cause havoc in the coastal places we love.

Content: Clean Below? Good to go