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Mediterranean fanworm Mediterranean fanworm

Marine pests

The movement of boats around the country between harbours increases the risk of marine pests spreading. 

Marine pests often ‘hitchhike’ on boats and equipment moving around the country, either from biofouling on boat hulls, attaching to vessel equipment (such as anchor chains and warps) or from the discharge of ballast and bilge water. 
 
To protect the region’s coast from unwanted marine pests, the Bay of Plenty Regional Pest Management Plan 2020 – 2030 (RPMP) contains rules that apply specifically to craft and equipment moving into or within Bay of Plenty waters.  

When in the Bay of Plenty, you must ensure: 

Rule 1: The hull is sufficiently cleaned and antifouled, so that the hull has no more than a slime layer and/or barnacles. 

Rule 2: All high-risk areas on the craft are free of marine pests (this includes the anchor, chain, anchor wells and live bait tanks). 

Rule 3: All boating equipment (including fishing and diving equipment) is free of marine pests. 

For more information on marine pests, visit Clean Below? Good to Go