Marine Biosecurity News
Be informed with the latest news and resources about marine pests and boat maintenance across New Zealand.
Port Nelson’s marine haul-out facility opens, marina facilities to follow
The $29 million facility represents a significant investment in the region’s marine infrastructure, facilitating improved haul-out, maintenance, and vessel servicing capabilities to support the growing needs of New Zealand’s blue economy.
Australian government releases updated response plans
The Australian government has released a new manual for response to invasive ascidians.
Three real-life scenarios that show why a quick response is best
Exotic caulerpa is serious, but these marine invasions overseas are possibly worse.
Out and about: from Boat Shows to Boatramps
Poor quality clean blamed for Marlborough Sounds fanworm scare
A poor quality in-water clean is seen as the likely reason that Mediterranean fanworm was carried to the Marlborough Sounds this summer.
Wintering your boat - Q&A with a boatyard expert
We talked to Jake McGrath of Brin Wilson Boatbuilders in Gulf Harbour Marina for his expert take on winter maintenance.
VR experience highlights why we have to care at upcoming boat shows
A Virtual Reality Experience will be delivered at Auckland’s two upcoming boat shows which hopes to open your eyes to the magic of our coastlines and the imminent danger posed by pests like exotic caulerpa and Mediterranean fanworm.
Innovation profile: Hempel product showing promise for boats challenged by barnacles
A new fouling-release hull coating system is offering boat owners another tool to help reduce the spread of marine pests.
Thumb splitting shrimps spotted in storm wash up
We love it when we get told about marine pest sightings and so we were stoked to get a heads up from a member of the public who’d spotted something weird on the beaches around Whitianga after the storms in January.
Smart technology is changing how we spot marine pests before they spread
New research is showing how autonomous underwater technology and artificial intelligence could dramatically improve how we detect marine biofouling, and stop invasive species before they spread.
LOF Review: updating how recreational vessels are monitored for marine pests
A review by the Cawthron Institute provides updated guidance on use of the Level of Fouling (LOF) scale
WATCH: Top of the South Marine Biosecurity Partnership Annual Forum 2025
The 2025 Annual Forum in Waikato convened marine biosecurity professionals, scientists, council representatives, industry stakeholders, and the public to discuss current challenges, innovations, and collaborative efforts in protecting marine environments from marine pests.
School’s back! Marine biosecurity in the classroom
Reaching the next generation is key and New Zealand schools have a growing range of marine biosecurity education resources that help students understand marine pests, ecosystem health and their role as caretakers of the moana.
Question on the 6 or 1 rule for boats with alternative antifoul
Recently a boat owner asked the Island Cruising Association for advice about visiting marinas that follow the ‘6 or 1’ rule. The Island Cruising Association passed the query on to us at Clean Below? Good to Go. Here’s what they said.
What work can we do on tidal grids?
New signs will be installed at Auckland Council tidal grids soon. What can and what we can’t do on tidal grid faciliites, and what is the environmentally safe way to clean in the water?
Three facilities for boat maintenance
New and improved operations are always welcome news for boat owners
Boating in the Hauraki Gulf? Check out this handy guide to the rules
Try this summary of new marine protections in the Hauraki Gulf / Tikapa Moana, the exotic caulerpa rules, and pest-free islands.
Innovation profile: UV treatment for marine pest incursions
If there was a silver lining in the fight against the exotic caulerpa seaweed, it’s the considerable local innovation that is making tools available to fight the war against marine pests.
Unwanted on the islands!
Why don’t we want these pest species on pest free islands? We’ll tell you why!
Active management of marine pests in the Wellington Region
Greater Wellington Regional Council and Top of the South Marine Biosecurity Partnership (TOS) have completed the second regional marine pest survey on moored vessels in Wellington marinas.
