The Clean Vessel Plan
The proposal
Four councils (Northland Regional Council, Auckland Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Waikato Regional Council) are working with Biosecurity New Zealand (Ministry for Primary Industries) and the Department of Conservation to develop a consistent approach to managing fouling on vessels.
Why a shared plan?
At present, councils across New Zealand apply similar but different rules when it comes to marine biosecurity. Public consultation in 2019 showed strong support for a simpler and consistent approach that would make compliance easier for boat owners
What is the Clean Vessel Plan?
The proposed Clean Vessel Plan aims to stop the spread of marine pests through boat movements. It would be established as a National Pathway Management Plan under the Biosecurity Act (initially the plan would only cover the Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty Regions) and would complement other marine biosecurity measures—such as the strict requirements for vessels arriving in New Zealand.
The draft plan sets out clear, simple rules for vessel and marine structure owners. These include:
Meeting a biofouling standard or continual maintenance using best practice (or equivalent) before moving between locations
Requirements for inspecting and cleaning all gear and equipment
Managing high risk marine structures (supporting existing proactive if required)
Providing information about vessel hull maintenance and recent movements
Te Tiriti partners, councils, and a wide range of stakeholders have provided practical feedback.
What happens next?
Once a draft plan proposal is finalised the Councils involved will work with the Crown to seek approval to undertake formal public consultation, which would give all individuals, businesses, organisations, and interest groups the opportunity to have their say before decisions are made.
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Updated June 2025
Clean Vessel Plan partners:
