Sea squirt not detected in Nelson

15 November 2005

Sea squirt not detected in Nelson

Biosecurity New Zealand’s surveillance of high risk locations for the presence of the sea squirt, the clubbed tunicate, has not detected its presence in the Nelson Port.

Work continues this week checking further locations around New Zealand.

Locations scheduled to be surveyed are:

Tarakohe (Golden Bay) – tomorrow Tuesday 15 November Whitianga: 15 November Picton and Waikawa - to be carried out starting end of this week and being completed early next week Opua: date change to earlier advisory - now 21 November Tutukaka: date change - 22 November Tauranga/Whakatane: end of the month.

Note: All of these dates are scheduled but are weather dependant.

Biosecurity New Zealand continues to ask members of the public and marine users to report any suspect finds to its free 0800 number: 0800 80 99 66.

And it is asking boaties to ensure their boat hulls are clean and free of fouling. The sea squirt can be spread on fouled boat hulls.

Detailed information about the sea squirt, including pictures, can be found at: www.biosecurity.govt.nz/seasquirt

ENDS

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