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What happened when this marine pest was found in Tauranga ​

The invasive Clavelina lepadiformis was detected at Sulphur Point Marina in Tauranga on Wednesday 21st October 2020. It was removed by hand, but regrowth was detected for several months later. ​In response, the area – part of a walkway pontoon - was wrapped for four weeks. This was successful and no Clavelina lepadiformis has been noted post wrap removal. The same species was detected on a vessel in Tauranga Bridge Marina in March 2021. The vessel was removed and cleaned.

The marine biosecurity team at Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana completed two full rounds of marina surveillance over summer. Out of 1896 vessel hulls and 20.6km of marina walkway pontoons checked, only four vessels were found to be hosting a marine pest, Sabella spallanzanii, and these were removed and cleaned immediately. In December 145 moorings and 171 vessels were also checked in high risk locations around Tauranga Harbour. No marine pests were found.

Marine biosecurity surveillance was also completed by the team at Great Barrier Island, Coromandel, and Gisborne Inner Harbour.