Biosecurity New Zealand is working with marinas to spread messaging to boaties about undertaking good biosecurity practices.
Marlborough Sounds Marinas hosted an event with Biosecurity New Zealand and Marlborough District Council in Picton on Monday 14 October to mark the beginning of the summer boating season and the rollout of a new campaign.
Marlborough Sounds Marinas GM Anouk Euzeby hosts a tour with Marlborough councillor Barbara Faulls and Biosecurity Minister Hon Andrew Hoggard.
Biosecurity New Zealand Pest Management Director John Walsh says the new nationwide Protect Our Paradise campaign is connecting with boaties and linking them with information. “We have a boating paradise here that’s worth protecting. Keeping a boat hull and gear clean extends their life and improves their performance, as well as avoiding taking along a nasty hitchhiker.”
Minister Hoggard was present for the Marlborough event. He says prevention of spread in the first place is what he wants to emphasise, because of the difficulty and cost of getting rid of an invasive pest like exotic caulerpa or Mediterranean fanworm once it has become established. “The Protect Our Paradise campaign is exactly what I want to see more of around the country.”
Marinas manager Anouk Euzeby says the key to keeping out harmful species such as the fanworm or exotic caulerpa is vigilance. “At the Marinas we ensure all vessels requesting a berth are screened and informed of biosecurity protocols.” Also, Marlborough Sounds Marinas have shared the Protect Our Paradise messaging with 2000 marina customers in newsletters, social media and an annual mailout.”
About the campaign
The topline campaign message for boaties is: clean your hull, gear and anchor. Three types of marine biosecurity cleaning are being promoted:
- For all types of boats: check and clean off gear and anchor before you move during a trip
- For trailer boats: drain the bilge and clean when you get home
- For moored boats: keep your hull clean and maintain antifouling.
Campaign lead Jackie Bedford of Biosecurity New Zealand says all marinas are welcome to make contact about using the Protect Our Paradise campaign messaging, artwork and materials:
