Mediterranean Fanworm findings

Photo: the fanworm specimen found in Bluff, pictured, was 59 cm in tube length. Photo / Environment Southland 

Surveillance continues to turn up occasional Mediterranean fanworm (Sabella spallanzanii) findings, and councils continue to respond as quickly as possible to get on top of incursions before they can get established and spread further.

Whangamatā Harbour is the latest location to report fanworm sightings, on sev eral boats in the harbour, and Waikato Regional Council has been quick to work with vessel owners to have the vessels lifted and washed and to extend its surveillance net to ensure it hasn’t established in the harbour. While Mediterranean fanworm is known to be established in parts of the western coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, thanks to vigilance by marinas and boat owners, it is not established on the east coast. 

Meanwhile a single fanworm (pictured) was found during routine surveillance in Bluff Harbour. Kathryn McLachlan of Environment Southland said that the location is being closely monitored but so far, no other fanworm specimens have been found. Mediterranean fanworm is one of six pests listed in the Southland Regional Pest Management Plan that the region is working to exclude. The others are Asian paddle crab, Clubbed tunicate, Australian droplet tunicate, Pyura and Carpet Sea squirt. Unique marine pathway rules are also in place in Fiordland to protect this special marine area. All vessels entering the Fiordland Marine Area must have a clean vessel pass, and meet the clean hull, gear and seawater standards, including t keeping records of cleaning and antifouling. 

If you think you’ve found Mediterranean fanworm outside of a known location, please report it.

Learn about this species at our Marine Pest ID guide.