Pest ahoy! Getting boaties, divers and swimmers on the biosecurity lookout

Be our underwater eyes poster

Knowing what's out there and hearing if something new appears is crucial to MAF Biosecurity New Zealand's (MAFBNZ's) effectiveness in protecting the marine environment.

The country's marine biosecurity system is underpinned by baseline information about species living at 24 locations. MAFBNZ now undertakes a long-term monitoring programme using this information to quickly detect any new arrivals (see also What's growing on down under?).

In addition to this monitoring, further surveillance is undertaken for eight pest organisms that, if established here, could severely damage the marine environment. These pests are: Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), Mediterranean fanworm (Sebella spallanzanii), Northern Pacific seastar (Asterias amurensis), Styela clava sea squirt, European shore crab (Carcinus maenas), Asian clam (Potamocorbula amurensis), marine aquarium weed (Caulerpa taxifolia) and Japanese seaweed (Undaria pinnitifida).

Passive surveillance plays a big part

As vital as this active monitoring is, passive surveillance (where the public and, importantly, those who are regularly in the marine environment report any suspect discoveries) is a major component of MAFBNZ's marine activities.

The new branding catch cry is "New Zealand. It's our place to protect". This sums up the concept that all New Zealanders are ultimately responsible for biosecurity and protecting what's dear to them – it's not just the Government's job.

Research tells us Kiwis value our seas and coastline – most New Zealanders spend time at the beach and many are regularly out on the water, whether it's for recreation or making a living from the sea.

Few would argue that the marine environment is not worth protecting. To this end, MAFBNZ is encouraging those who are regularly in and around the sea, and are best placed to notice something out of the ordinary, to keep an eye out for unusual organisms.

Pest identification cards

Initial communication projects over the past year have seen marine pest identification cards produced on each of the eight target organisms (above). These laminated, water-resistant cards have been widely distributed to universities and research organisations that work around the coast and to 10,000 readers of Dive NZ magazine. They have also been distributed at public events such as boating shows. A poster has also been produced for widespread distribution.

Advertising has been placed in publications read by marine users, and opportunities to place editorial material focusing on biosecurity will also be pursued.

Work this year will focus on face-to-face work with marine user groups. The communications team is planning for further participation in boating and community shows, as well as presenting to groups such as boating and fishing clubs.

Relationship building is also underway with local government in order to gain better intelligence about community forums to target with information.

And a current programme will see the development of materials for boaties (both recreational and commercial) that, while emphasising hull cleaning to prevent the spread of marine pests, will also provide surveillance tips and information.

The communication message around surveillance is simple: If you see a suspect creature in the marine environment, make careful note of its location, grab a sample if you can and promptly report it to the MAF Biosecurity New Zealand hotline: 0800 80 99 66.

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Page last updated: 2 July 2010