Top of the North Marine Biosecurity Partnership

The Top of the North Partnership covers literally the top of the North Island, with members from the Northland, Auckland and Bay of Plenty regions. These include local authorities, central government t agencies such as Department of Conservation and Ministry of Fisheries, the aquaculture industry, the Marina Operators’ Association, technical institutes and iwi. The ultimate focus is on building marine biosecurity capacity to stop the spread of marine pests. To date, the focus of this partnership has been working together on operational activities as MAFBNZ builds networks with potential regional partners for the future.

Information sharing is the key outcome, with workshops held in the regions to extend knowledge of marine pests, and numerous local initiatives undertaken to promote stopping the spread of marine pests.

Marine biosecurity information has been given to advocates engaged through the Coromandel Marine Farming Association and Northland Regional Council.

The Marina Operators’ Association is working with MAFBNZ to distribute "clean boating" (404 KB) information to boaties and "clean marinas" guidelines so marinas can self audit their environmental performance.

As well collaborative work takes place on regional events such as boat shows and cruising club events to promote marine biosecurity awareness.

Priority actions for the next year include continued improvements to information sharing, developing regional surveillance and promoting operational guidelines for tidal grid use.

Page last updated: 1 December 2010