Underwater surveillance of more than 2,200 boats anchored around the Bay of Plenty has revealed  an overwhelming number of clean hulls.

Data collected from across the region this summer shows  85 per cent have acceptably clean hulls and are free from  marine pests.

Hamish Lass, senior projects officer with Bay of Plenty Regional Council, says it’s a result that’s consistent with previous summer surveys.

“It’s encouraging that the Bay’s boaties and the many out-of-region visitors that come here over the summer are continuing to do their bit to ensure that marine pests, such Mediterranean fanworm and clubbed tunicate sea squirt, don’t become established,” says Hamish.

“We all need to be aiming for 100 per cent compliance to be confident that our harbours stand a chance of remaining pest-free.

“Highly mobile marine pests, like the Asian Paddle crab, are almost impossible to eradicate once they become established. It’s why we ask all boat owners to ensure that they check their hulls are clean and free of marine pests before moving between regions.”

In a vital move for marine biosecurity, new rules are contained within the Bay of Plenty Regional Pest Management Plan 2020-2030, meaning boat hulls can’t have more than a light slime layer and/or barnacles when coming into or moving within the region.  

Boaties are therefore advised to keep a good record of when their boat was last biofouled and to plan well ahead if a haul out is likely to be needed.