Protect our boating paradise
Any boat could spread an invasive marine pest when it moves, and that could ruin the spots we love.
For many of us, the sea is our happy place. A day out with family or mates, getting some kai or whatever gets us out in a boat, among waves and fresh air. That’s our marine paradise – but this is threatened by invasive marine pests.
The caulerpa threat
Take one example: exotic caulerpa is now present in Auckland, Waikato and Northland waters. Off Aotea Great Barrier Island it has already formed hectares of smothering mats across the seafloor.
Some pests like exotic caulerpa can be spread around through fragments that get snagged on anchors and other gear like fishing and diving gear that you put down to the seabed. To manage this, restrictions have had to be placed on anchoring in some popular bays. Other pests can spread on hull fouling.
What you can do
Preventing spread in the first place is the best strategy, because removal of an invasive marine pest is tricky and costly.
You probably clean your craft and gear as part of caring for it so it goes better and lasts longer. In the same way, cleaning for biosecurity is part of caring for the ocean we get to use and enjoy.
The three main types of marine biosecurity cleaning for boaties are:
- for all boats – check and clean the gear and anchor and manage on-board water as you go during a trip
- for a trailer boat – clean when you get home
- for a moored boat – clean off slime and maintain antifouling.
If you go to a lake or river, find out about the Check Clean Dry process
Clean on a trip
How to make sure you are not spreading marine pests on anchors, life jackets, or dive and fishing gear
Manage hull fouling
How to stop fouling affecting your boat’s performance and spreading marine pests
Manage on-board seawater
How to manage on-board seawater so it doesn’t spread marine pests
Regional rules
Know the rules about hull fouling, cleaning your boat in New Zealand’s regions and any area restrictions
News and stories
Read news and stories about successes and threats in marine biosecurity and what's being done
About marine pests
Find out more about the worst invasive species that could easily spread and cause trouble
Protect Our Paradise campaign
The Protect Our Paradise campaign aims to inspire and help recreational boaties to stop spread of invasive marine pests and protect the incredible marine spaces we all enjoy. It is funded by Biosecurity New Zealand, on behalf of a network of regional and national organisations.