Biosecurity divers are in Gisborne this week to complete their twice yearly survey of marine pests at the port.

The dive team from Bay of Plenty Regional Council will carry out the survey over three days from 18 September, checking for signs of fanworms on the port structures.

Biosecurity team officer Hamish Lass, who is leading the dive team, will also give a public talk about their role in marine biosecurity and the impact pests have on our waterways and marine life.

In the previous survey conducted in May, divers found two fanworms on port structures and another two attached to a vessel that had come into port.

The vessel was removed from the marina immediately to have its hull cleaned.

Mediterranean fanworm is found in ports or estuaries in 1m – 30m deep water, attached to a range of surfaces in varying environmental conditions.

Its fast growth rate and prolific breeding habits make it likely to out-compete other species, such as crayfish, and interfere with biological processes.

To find out more about marine pests and how to can help control their spread, come along to the free public talk on 19 September at 6.30pm at the Ruma Te Kaunihera (Council chambers).

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