It’s all eyes on the coastline to find and stop the invasion of an ecologically dangerous seaweed. We follow the exotic caulerpa story so far.

A new interactive marine pest map is available on the marine biosecurity portal that can help users to determine what non-indigenous species have been detected at a specific location. 

Exotic species of Caulerpa were first found in Aotea Great Barrier around two years ago. Soon after it was discovered at Ahuahu Great Mercury, and a year after that in the Bay of Islands, followed by Kawau and Waiheke. To narrow down this huge search field, scientists are making use of previous research into vessel movement and anchoring patterns.

At the Hutchwilco Boat Show last month we had a chat with the team at SeaPens. SeaPens, and other floating systems for dry docking your boat, have now emerged as a solution for many hundreds of New Zealand boat owners.  

The Waiheke Marine Project is as ready as it can be for an incursion of Caulerpa on the island’s coastlines. 

This year's series will focus on two key challenges we face in the fight against marine pests: funding critical marine biosecurity work, and filling the gaps in our clean hull framework. There is also a special session for council and agency staff.

According to latest figures, approximately 382 yachts were cleared by officers between October and early January.

To help ensure the next generation understand marine biosecurity, a group of expert marine organisations have prepared a three-part classroom module that is ready to go for teachers to implement in the classroom. 

Like we always do the day before a boat show, the council teams got the necessary permits to collect Mediterranean fanworm from a nearby marina and set it up in a display tank so that people can see what it looks like, living and breathing in a tanks. This time we weren’t successful.

With the closure of Pier 21 and The Landing it’s becoming a little harder to secure summer haulout space for some boats in Auckland.  Many boatyards are encouraging boat owners to get maintenance underway in the winter period. We chatted with a top boat maintenance expert to find out winter antifouling is a practical solution. 

The invasive seaweed Caulerpa has been washed up in large quantities in Okupu Blind Bay on Aotea Great Barrier Island. Okupu Blind Bay is one of the known infected areas, so finding it here was expected. 

Ultimate Charters implements a robust biosecurity system designed to detect and stop pests both above and below the waterline. It was one of the first commercial operators to obtain a Pest Free Warrant three years ago, well ahead of it becoming compulsory in 2024.

The answer, says Glenn Clough, founder of Marine Protection Solutions New Zealand, is if your boat is osmosis-free, is not built from planked timber and travels at speeds of 35 knots or less. 

What’s the difference between a native paddle crab and an invasive one? How can you pick an invasive seaweed from a native species?

Why is the 'six or one' rule so important to marinas in Northland and Coromandel? The marine pest situation is a delicate balance between access for boats, and protecting the Poor Knights and coastlines free of pests, says Dylan Lease, Manager of Tutukaka Marina.

Checking your anchor and chain is all good - but what if you can’t?

Summer surveillance is underway, with divers in Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato (Coromandel), Gisborne and Hawkes Bay and checking moored and berthed vessels, and marine structures for marine pests.

Congrats to the marine finalists: Aquaculture New Zealand and the New Zealand Salmon Farmers Association and Aless Smith of Northland Regional Council who is a finalist in the AssureQuality Emerging Leader category for her ability to lead, support, encourage and mentor her colleagues.