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Marine InvadersNew Zealand’s unique marine environment is increasingly under threat from unwanted foreign plants, animals and diseases. Already at least 148 marine invaders are found in New Zealand waters. As more ships come to New Zealand, there is an increased risk that pests will come too. Many New Zealanders depend on the sea for their livelihoods and lifestyles. Marine invaders can significantly impact on marine ecosystems, seafood industries, human health and recreation. Many marine invaders are hardy and aggressive, changing the structure and functioning of the ecosystems they invade. Dealing with marine invaders, once they are established, is both difficult and expensive. Greater biosecurity measures are needed to prevent the unintentional or deliberate arrival and spread of alien organisms.
Forest and Bird’s Campaign Forest and Bird wants to see the adoption of stricter standards for hull cleaning and disposal. Forest and Bird is seeking a national pest strategy for marine invaders like Undaria and a code of practice for all international vessels. This would ensure hulls are cleaned before leaving for another country and that ships use ballast treatment systems. A programme to monitor ports and identify risks was initiated in 2001, but marine biosecurity has received little funding compared to land invader control. Regional councils should include marine pest control
measures in their pest management strategies. If detected early marine invaders
can be removed, contained or controlled to prevent further spread, using pesticides,
mechanical or biological control, or ecological manipulation. Early action is
needed before pests spread.
What You Can Do
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