Marron

Cherax tenuimanus

Marron

Legal Status: Notifiable and Unwanted Organism

Status in New Zealand: Eradicated

Organism: Water snails, crabs, shellfish, starfish, and other aquatic

Pest and disease search

All known populations of this organism in New Zealand have been eradicated, however, other unknown populations may still exist.

Report any sightings to hotline, phone 0800 809 966.

General information

Marron (Cherax tenuimanus) is a large fresh water crayfish native to Western Australia. It poses a significant threat to New Zealand’s freshwater environment and its inhabitants (i.e. insects, native crayfish (Koura) native fish species, and other important species such as trout). Once established this species is very difficult to eradicate.

Marron were originally introduced to New Zealand in 1986 for aquaculture purposes. However, in 1990 a change in government policy lead to all commercial marron farms being disbanded, and animals destroyed.

Marron is an unwanted organism under the Biosecurity Act 1993. It is an offence to knowingly propagate or spread an unwanted organism with penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment, and/or a fine of up to $100,000.