Resources
​for Boat Owners

Marine pests are ruining our harbours and coastlines. They travel on dirty hulls and in bilge water. Every boat owner can help control the spread. Here's how.

CLEAN YOUR BOAT

• Haul out at least annually, and anytime there is a build up of fouling. It's good seamanship not to let fouling build up beyond a light slime layer.
• Remove all large fouling matter by hand. Dispose of in a bin going to landfill. It’s important this material does not get back into the sea where it could reproduce.
• Hose and brush or waterblast to remove all fouling. Haul your boat out at a facility where the wash off is contained and treated before going back into the sea. 
• Pay special attention to what are known as “niche areas” – appendages that protude or areas that retain water such as the keel, intakes and outlets, propellers and shafts, rudders and casings. These are prime locations for harbouring pests. 
• If you are cleaning in-water, only use a soft cloth. Never cause damage to the paint. Do it before you leave your mooring or berth so that you don't carry marine pests with you. And check if in-water cleaning is permitted. 
• Tidal grids are convenient for some jobs but  they are not suitable for hull cleaning or antifouling because antifoul doesn’t have time to cure between tidal cycles, and also because scraping releases contaminants, including heavy metals and pests, into the water. We recommend using an approved haulout facility instead where waste is captured and treated to protect our environment. 

ANTIFOUL YOUR BOAT

• Renew at the interval recommended by the manufacturer or retailer, if the paint has been scraped or damaged, or if persistent fouling is occurring. Paints generally last between one and two years. 
• Apply paint to a clean and dry hull, prime first if the hull surface is exposed. 
• Apply a good coat and don’t miss those niche areas. 
• Antifouling works best with more than one coat applied. 
• Allow each coat to dry between applications and allow final coat to cure for 24 hours before re-launching. 
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your boat. 

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GOT A TRAILERBOAT?

• For trailer boats, jetskis, canoes, dive gear and fishing gear – wash with freshwater after use and allow to thoroughly air dry before using in a new location. Remove any debris or by-catch material as you clean, rather than throwing over the side when you get to a new location. 
• Soaking gear in fresh water is an effective way to kill marine pests  
• Check your boat is clean before you move location. If not, clean it. 
• Regularly treat any internal seawater systems – flush with freshwater or an approved treatment. 
• Dispose of sewage and bilge water at an approved pump out facility. 

CHECK THE RULES

REPORTING MARINE PESTS

​If you spot something unusual, take a sample or a photo,
​and report it to the
​Marine Biosecurity Hotline 0800 809 966