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	Biosecurity
	Invasive Pest Species Alerts: ››DIDYMOSPHENIA GEMINATA(Didymo): Controlled areas for jet boating, rafting and kayaking. ››Clubbed Tunicate Styela Clava: Invasive marine species The risks posed to New Zealand by both introduction and spread of exotic pest species are considerable, with potentially far reaching consequences. Amenity values, recreational fishing, commercial fishing (including aquaculture) and coastal installations could all be impacted to varying degrees. All water users need to understand the issues, and be responsible for their actions. New species might arrive in New Zealand waters attached to the hull or in the ballast water of commercial vessels, or indeed be introduced by a relatively small recreational vessel visiting from another country. Equally, nuisance species that have become established might be spread by commercial coastal vessel movements, or recreational boaters shifting from one location to another (even by road on a trailer).

It is vital that all sectors ensure every preventive action is taken to minimise the chances of spreading unwanted organisms. The documents at the bottom of this section offer vital information on minimising biosecurity risks.

Statutory authority for biosecurity, including marine biosecurity lies with Biosecurity New Zealand. Any questions about these issues should be directed to them at:

Executive Co-ordinator
Biosecurity New Zealand
PO Box 2526
Wellington
Phone 04 894 0435
Email: selena.henry@maf.govt.nz

The Biosecurity New Zealand website is: www.biosecurity.govt.nz

For reporting of any suspect sightings, please phone tollfree 0800 80 99 66

However, as the environment is a common heritage, Maritime New Zealand welcomes the opportunity to assist wherever possible, including distributing information via our network of Maritime Safety Inspectors and Recreational Boating Advisers.

New Zealand is particularly concerned about marine pest organisms arriving by ballast water or fouling on the outside of hulls or structures. There are mandatory requirements for ballast water (mid-ocean exchange of all ballast water to be discharged in NZ waters at least 200 NM offfshore). This apply to vessels and structures from outside the New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) but other vessels are encouraged not to take ballast from one part of NZ to another unless it can be exchanged en route beyond 50 miles offshore. The requirements for ships for ballast water and other MAF biosecurity matters such as declaration of animals on board is at the following link.

http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/commercial-transport-and-border-management/arriving-by-sea/before-arriving

At this stage only advisory requirements are in place on hull fouling. Vessels should adhere to a hull maintenance regime such as 5 yearly dry docking and inspection/cleaning in between dockings. No cleaning should be carried out in New Zealand waters (unless going into dry dock which has collection and treatment of all arisings from the cleaning and of the cleaning waters). If vessels will be moored in one New Zealand port for some time and then moved to another domestic port/s, diver inspection of the hull and fittings is encouraged before leaving the first port to remove any fouling organisms (in this case collection of removals is not as crucial as they were probably contracted from that port).