JUUNE 2009

Giving biofouling the slip

Aquatic animal diseases

Antarctica: the driest, coldest, windiest continent 92 Biosecurity magazine

Biosecurity is published six-weekly by MAF Biosecurity New Zealand. It is of special interest to all those with a stake in the protection of New Zealand’s economic, 6 1414 2323 environmental and social assets from the dangers posed by pests and diseases. Animal welfare issues are also covered. The articles in this magazine do not necessarily CONTENTS reflect government policy.

For enquiries about specific articles, refer Editorial 3 to the contact listed at the end of each article. Biofouling control methods for arriving yachts 4

General enquiries (e.g. circulation requests Cling-ons on the starboard bow: the biosecurity risks of vessel biofouling 6 or information about The “number-8 wire” approach to reducing biofouling risk 8 MAF Biosecurity New Zealand): Acting in the marine environment through partnerships 10 Biosecurity Magazine MAF Biosecurity New Zealand Recreational vessels: options for managing biosecurity risks 11 PO Box 2526 Marinas and MAFBNZ working together for marine biosecurity 12 Pastoral House, 25 The Terrace, Wellington, New Zealand Marine Value Mapping: questions of what, why and where 13 Phone: 0800 00 83 33 Elimination of fanworm proceeds in Lyttelton Port 14 Email: [email protected] Fishing for marine biosecurity threats 16 Internet: www.biosecurity.govt.nz Have your say – commercial harvest of undaria 16 Editorial enquiries: Aquatic animal diseases and diagnostics 18 Phone: 04 894 0774 New principal adviser for aquatic animal diseases 20 ISSN 1174 – 4618

Production and printing management by Biosecurity essential to New Zealand’s aquaculture success 21 City Print Communications in association First saltwater crocs emigrate to NZ 22 with Context Public Policy Communications. Protecting the driest, coldest, windiest continent 23 Keeping an eye out for the pine sawyer beetle 26 Red Imported Fire Ants eradicated from Napier 28 Pest mosquito eliminated from Coromandel 29 “Declare or dispose” 30 Detector dogs to become stars of the small screen 31 People in biosecurity 31 Updates 32

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Biosecurity Magazine is printed on Sumo Gloss. Sumo is an environmentally responsible paper manufactured under the environmental management system ISO 14001 using Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) pulp sourced from sustainable, well managed forests. 92 Naomi Parker EDITORIAL Giving biofouling the slip

Invasive species are one of the four greatest threats to extensive in “niche areas” such as sea chests, propeller shafts, or bow thrusters even when the main hull of a vessel is clean, our marine ecosystems, along with land-based pollution, and slow moving or poorly maintained vessels can accumulate the over-exploitation of living marine resources and the literally tonnes of biofouling. The research has also identified a alteration or destruction of marine habitat. range of potential measures to address biofouling risks such as designing vessels so that antifouling systems are more effective, applying different antifouling paints to niche areas, or using hile biosecurity in a terrestrial context has been targeted and contained in-water cleaning. (See page 6 article around for well over a century, marine biosecurity for more details on biofouling risks.) Wis a much younger discipline and has only really As a result of these research findings, there is starting to be been identified as a major issue in the past 20 or so years. international movement on the biofouling issue. In 2007, There are two major opportunities for the unintentional New Zealand, along with the United Kingdom, Australia, the introduction of species into New Zealand, both of which relate International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and to shipping – ballast water (water carried inside a vessel for the Friends of the Earth International were successful in stabilisation) and biofouling (the attachment of organisms to getting the development of management measures for the outside of a vessel and in its internal water systems). biofouling on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee’s agenda. The Shipping is an international industry, so managing the risks IMO is the major standard setting body for marine biosecurity from marine pests and diseases associated with shipping needs issues related to shipping. an international approach. New Zealand has mandatory requirements for vessels to manage their ballast water, and is Since February 2008, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand currently working through the processes to become a party to (MAFBNZ) has been leading an IMO “correspondence group” the 2004 International Convention for the Control and on biofouling – a group with representatives from some 18 Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments. countries and nine non-governmental organisations, including industry peak bodies and conservation groups. The group has The situation for managing biofouling is very different. There been working via email to summarise what we know about are currently no internationally agreed biofouling measures in biofouling from research, to look at the potential impacts – place. For New Zealand this is a major concern because positive and negative – of biofouling regulations on industry analysis by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric and on the environment, and to identify best practice Research (NIWA) of the introduced marine species that we measures for managing biofouling. already have suggests up to 87 percent of species are likely to have been introduced as biofouling (Kospartov et al (in Based on the correspondence group’s work, in February of this press))1. year the IMO agreed to the development of international guidelines for managing biofouling on ships. This is a Until recently, there was a belief that antifouling paints had significant step forward and could mean that an minimised the risk of invasion through biofouling but research internationally agreed approach is only a few years away – undertaken here and in Australia has shown that biofouling is which is lightning speed for international measures and good a real and ongoing biosecurity concern. Biofouling can be news for our marine ecosystems.

1 Kospartov K; Inglis G; Seaward K; Brink A van den; D’Archino R; Ahyong S (in press) Non- ■ Dr Naomi Parker, IMO biofouling correspondence group Chair, indigenous and cryptogenic marine species in New Zealand. Current state of knowledge MAFBNZ Manager Strategic Science Team, Senior Science Adviser – Marine. – Interim report prepared for MAFBNZ Post Border Directorate. MAFBNZ, Wellington, New Zealand.

MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND 3 92 MARINE

O G CS Example of extreme vessel biofouling.

Formal controls are being developed to minimise the risk of biofouling introducing aquatic species that could harm New Zealand’s marine environment.

on-indigenous marine Recent work found between 69 and organisms pose a major 90 percent of known introduced Nthreat to New Zealand’s marine organisms in New Zealand were marine environment. These species probably brought in via hull biofouling. can cause significant harm by MAF Biosecurity New Zealand dominating native communities, (MAFBNZ) is working through the displacing local species, as well as International Maritime Organisation impacting on aquaculture operations. (IMO) to develop international measures for minimising the Introduced marine organisms typically transfer of invasive aquatic species arrive either in ballast water or as through biofouling on ships. biofouling (animals attached to a vessel’s hull). Ballast water is regulated A formal risk analysis of biofouling MAFBNZ’s Grant Weston holding the SCUBAR camera by an import health standard that on recreational vessels arriving in system. requires all vessels planning to New Zealand is underway at present, many having growth on their hulls, discharge ballast water in New Zealand and a discussion paper will be mainly in niche areas such as the rudder to have exchanged that water in the available later this year as part of public consultation on measures and keel. International yachts, most of open ocean (more than 200 nautical being developed by MAFBNZ to which arrive in Opua, Northland, make miles from land and at a water depth of minimise the risk, particularly up about 20 percent of New Zealand’s more than 200 metres). from international yachts. total vessel arrivals. Vessel biofouling has only been A recent biofouling survey of 181 While formal controls are being recognised as a means of introducing international yachts and launches found developed to address the issue of invasive species for the past decade. them to be a high-risk pathway, with biofouling, MAFBNZ has been

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Quarantine Wharf at Opua – the first civilisation many yachties see when they arrive in New Zealand. running a voluntary compliance effort A communications programme has level of biofouling, including requiring for some years. been developed around the need for cleaning at facilities that met MAF’s Over the past year, extra effort has vessel cleaning, stressing the key biosecurity standards. Vessels would be been put in to raise awareness and message of “clean and antifoul your lifted from the water and all biofouling encourage good practice in keeping boat”. Brochures are included with removed. Large material, such as hulls clean, particularly for yachts government agencies’ yacht seaweed and mussels, would be removed and disposed of at a landfill, coming to New Zealand from the information packs distributed to and smaller organisms would be Pacific Islands – given about 70 percent Pacific Island marinas and posts, and retained in tanks and filtered before of all international yachts arrive from information is available on the waste water was released into the Tonga or Fiji. MAFBNZ website in a specific section for yachts entering New Zealand. environment or recycled. Approved cleaning facilities would ultimately be MAFBNZ also attended a function in required near every port receiving Whangarei in November for the YOU KNOW NEW ZEALAND’S international yachts. GOT SOME OF THE seasonal fleet of cruising yachties BEST CRUISING WATERS arriving in New Zealand. This was an An alternative to hauling vessels out of opportunity to both share information the water might be to use floating IN THE WORLD and gain valuable insights into the enclosure systems into which dirty Do your bit to keep it that way lifestyle and hull cleaning habits of this vessels could be driven. The water group to help inform future could be drained and, if necessary, communication. chemicals added – for example, acetic acid (vinegar) or bleach – to kill all Currently, MAF inspects all yachts biofouling. MAFBNZ has recently when they arrive in New Zealand. commissioned a study into the Inspectors note any biofouling on parts feasibility of using such an option, of the hull they can see from the wharf, including examining a system to and may direct a badly fouled vessel to neutralise chemicals and cleanup water be hauled out of the water. before discharge back into the ocean. To enable inspectors to examine the At present, there is a lack of cleaning entire hull more carefully, once formal facilities in the Pacific Islands. As most controls are in place, MAFBNZ is New Zealand bound vessels depart trialling an underwater camera system from the Islands, it may prove useful to A guide to keeping harmful marine that includes an extendable pole, work with Pacific Island countries to pest organisms out of New Zealand flexible head to check around the provide better marine biosecurity rudder and propeller, and lights for use protection to the region, for example, NEW ZEALAND. IT’S OUR at night and in murky water. PLACE TO PROTECT. assisting major marinas to establish The planned controls would also allow safe cleaning facilities.

inspectors to take action if a vessel was ■ Communications programme stressing the key Dr Chris Denny, MAFBNZ, [email protected] message of “Clean and antifoul your boat”. found to have an unacceptably high

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Extreme biofouling on a yacht from Wellington harbour. Photo: MAFBNZ. Cling-ons on the starboard bow: the biosecurity risks of vessel biofouling Biofouling is the accumulation re-engineering native species, habitats to have some biofouling associated and infrastructure. with it, but in many cases the level of of marine plants and animals In New Zealand, high-impact biofouling over the bulk of the hull will that inevitably occurs on hard introductions that were probably made be negligible. substrates such as rocks, wharf via biofouling include the sea squirts The biosecurity risk is most likely to be Didemnum vexillum (fouling high on vessels that are moored for piles and vessel hulls submerged aquaculture in the Marlborough extended periods, travel at low speeds in sea water. Sounds), Styela clava (now widespread and/or have little need to maximise in several New Zealand locations) and operational efficiency or speed. The Eudistoma elongatum (fouling beaches vessel classes that most commonly pecies that foul vessels are a in the Bay of Islands), as well as the have these attributes are recreational particular biosecurity concern Japanese kelp Undaria pinnatifida vessels, barges and specialist craft such Sbecause they are able to be (modifying habitats throughout as oil rigs. transported well beyond their native New Zealand). Niche areas (such as sea chests and range and have the potential to invade In order to reduce the biosecurity risk internal seawater systems), where new habitats. associated with vessel biofouling, MAF organisms may find shelter from Of the non-indigenous marine species Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) disturbance and/or a lack of any known to have arrived in New has commissioned research to better antifouling system, have been found to Zealand, about 87 percent probably understand and manage the problem. pose a substantial biosecurity risk arrived as biofouling1. While not all of Investigations into biofouling on despite accounting for a relatively small these new arrivals obviously impact on commercial, passenger and proportion of the hull. the receiving environment, some have recreational vessels have been Globally, niche areas have been found had significant impacts. completed, with investigations of to carry a substantial number and Globally, non-indigenous marine slow-moving and fishing vessels in diversity of organisms, and are species have impacted on economic, progress (see page 16). considered one of the key issues in environmental and socio-cultural Analysis of the results to date has developing appropriate risk values by smothering, displacing, or shown that every type of vessel is likely minimisation controls.

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The number of niche areas on a vessel will depend on the complexity of the underwater structure of the vessel and its operation. Vessels such as semi- submersible oil rigs, which have complex subsurface structures, spend extended periods moored in a single location and are difficult to clean, will not only have many potential niche areas but also considerable opportunity Samples of the fauna found at the base of an oil rig’s leg. Photo: Cawthron Institute. to develop a substantial biofouling community. Once a biofouling community begins to develop a three-dimensional structure (in other words, progression beyond a slimy layer to larger organisms such as weed, barnacles, mussels, etc), it starts to create further niche areas that, in turn, allow a greater diversity of organisms to colonise, including mobile species such as crabs and even fish. Some solutions to minimise vessel biofouling, such as biocidal antifouling paints (poisonous to marine life), have been available for many decades because there is a commercial imperative to keep hulls free from biofouling and maximise operational efficiency (a slime layer 1 millimetre Fouling in the sea chest of a commercial vessel. Photo: John Lewis. thick can cause a 15 percent loss in ship speed2). However, the application recessing of sacrificial anodes, are also mitigate the risks of non-indigenous of different types of antifouling paint available but until now have not been marine species introductions, but also to match the different conditions widely used as this is not critical for provide an imperative for ship owners, encountered on different parts of the operational efficiency. MAFBNZ is operators and those that service them hull or in niche areas is a relatively new moving ahead with developing border to develop novel solutions to the development. measures to mitigate the risks problem. associated with vessel biofouling (see ■ Similarly, the use of in-water cleaning Dr Andrew Bell, Adviser, Risk Analysis (Marine), page 4). However, it is recognised that MAFBNZ, [email protected] for in-service maintenance of the hull Dr Naomi Parker, IMO biofouling correspondence unilateral measures are unlikely to be has a long history. However, the need group Chair, MAFBNZ Manager Strategic Science effective (see also page 3). Team, Senior Science Adviser – Marine to balance the requirements of keeping [email protected] a vessel clean with those of minimising Consequently, New Zealand has been involved at the International Maritime 1 Kospartov K; Inglis G; Seaward K; Brink A van den; the discharge of both biological and D’Archino R; Ahyong S (In Press) Non-indigenous and chemical contaminants into the Organisation (IMO) to develop cryptogenic marine species in New Zealand. Current international measures that will state of knowledge – Interim report prepared for receiving environment is a reasonably MAFBNZ Post Border Directorate. MAFBNZ, Wellington, recent development. minimise biofouling on vessels. New Zealand. International guidance should not only 2 Lewthwaite, J C; Molland, A F; Thomas, K W (1984) An Various design solutions, such as investigation into the variation of ship skin frictional rounded bars on sea chest grates or the aid countries in their attempts to resistance with fouling. Transactions of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects 127: 269–284.

MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND 7 92 MARINE THE “NUMBER-8 WIRE” APPROACH TO REDUCING BIOFOULING RISK

Case Study: using hot water blasting as a low-tech, cost- effective treatment for biofouling on a large commercial vessel.

hile antifouling coatings are used widely in Wcommercial shipping for efficiency gains, fouling organisms can still occur on specific areas of vessels, known as niche areas. These include the dry dock strips on keels, and seawater intakes and anchor wells. Manual removal is often the principal management tool used for the large-scale control of vessel biofouling, often involving the scraping of the Worker in bow thruster intake pipe using pressurised boiling water to kill biofouling within bow thruster cavity. vessel’s hull to remove organisms. On (Note: the pressure cleaner is inserted almost completely within the cavity to target fouling.) larger or modified vessels, for example those with dredge arms, this A crew had been assigned to clean the were considered. Use of a vinegar methodology may not be enough. vessel using traditional scraping solution in a location such as the bow methods prior to the inspection. The thruster cavity was, however, restricted MAF Biosecurity New Zealand majority of the vessel was scoured as the method requires immersion of (MAFBNZ) Senior Adviser (Marine) clean and had a new coating of organisms in the solution for 12 hours Justin McDonald has recently joined antifouling paint. The exceptions were or more. Because of the nature of the the organisation from the Western the manually inaccessible areas of the bow thruster and cavity, the immersion Australian Department of Fisheries. bow thruster cavity (see photos). technique was impractical and a Prior to this, he worked as a marine The cavity is part of a sleeve that different technique for removing the consultant where one of his projects organisms was required. involved travelling to Singapore to encases the bow thruster intakes. “clear” a vessel for entry into Australia. Normally the bow thruster intakes and The pressure was on to find a solution During this “clearance” Dr McDonald, cavity are not examined, especially if as Singapore Harbour is extremely along with West Australian fisheries an in-water inspection is conducted, busy and the vessel had to be out of dry staff, oversaw the use of a hot water because it requires oxy-acetylene tools dock the next day. There was, however, blasting method to deal with niche area to cut metal bars and climbing into a no way the vessel would get clearance fouling. relatively narrow tube. to enter Australia in its fouled state. The vessel involved was the Lange The bow thruster cavity was found to Using what was at hand, Dr McDonald Wapper, a trailing suction hopper contain significant colonies of the and a crew of contractors managed to dredger around 130 metres long. It was recognised pest species the Asian green route boiling water from the ship’s in dry dock in Singapore and due to mussel (Perna viridis) and two acorn boiler to a high-pressure water blaster visit Australia. An introduced species barnacle species. cleaner like that used to clean cars. survey was required prior to the vessel As the bow thruster cavity could not be Hot water has been advocated as a entering Australian waters, with full reached by traditional manual means, treatment for ballast water (Mountfort examination of all underwater sections other pest organism treatments, such et al, 1999). The water used in this of the dredge. as submersion in vinegar (acetic acid), instance was 130 celsius at the source

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Bow thruster and cavity

Above: Schematic of Lange Wapper showing location of bow thruster. Top left: Invasive barnacles and mussels visible around the cavity opening were in even greater numbers within the cavity. Bottom left: Perna viridis (Asian green mussel) removed from bow thruster intake pipes on dry dock floor.

thruster intake tubes were too hot to The promotion of marine pest touch. The hot water treatment awareness to vessel masters and crews, continued until all visible organisms and simple use of low-tech, cost- had been killed, characterised by effective treatment methods, such as detachment from the boat surface this, could lead to more comprehensive (mussels only) and their bleaching cleaning taking place. This could, in (barnacles and mussels). This took turn, reduce the risk of species being around an hour. introduced to non-endemic waters and The master and crew were unaware of mean faster turnarounds in future how great a risk a “simple” patch of clearance inspections, saving both mussels could pose if introduced into clients and inspectors time and money. non-endemic waters. In fact, when ■ Dr Justin McDonald, Senior Adviser (Marine), informed of the potential impacts, they MAFBNZ, [email protected] were appalled that they may have and in excess of 80 celsius when it unintentionally introduced them to Reference Mountfort, D O; Hay, C; Taylor, M; Buchanan, S; Gibbs, W; reached the bow thruster area. The Australia. The cooperation of the (1999). Heat treatment of ship’s ballast water: development water entering the cavity, and the master and crew in this process and application of a model based on laboratory studies. duration of the treatment, was such ensured that the vessel left Singapore Journal of Marine Environmental Engineering 5, 193-206. that the surrounding metal of the for Australia free of biofouling. HAVE YOUR SAY ABOUT BIOSECURITY MAGAZINE

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand is surveying Biosecurity magazine straight to our survey). If you have any problems accessing the readers to find out if the publication is continuing to meet readers’ survey please contact [email protected]. needs and what improvements could be made. To achieve this, we’d like to hear how you use the magazine, how satisfied you are with The survey will close on 31 July 2009 so please be sure to give the current format and suggestions for improvements. us your feedback before this date. Whether you have a little or a lot to say, your opinion is important to us and will contribute to We invite readers who are currently receiving their own copy of the future of the magazine. Biosecurity magazine to take part in an online survey at: www.maf.govt.nz/biosecurity-survey (make sure you type in the We would like to thank everyone in advance for their time and whole of the web link highlighted in blue and you will be taken look forward to hearing your views.

MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND 9 92 MARINE Acting in the marine environment through partnerships Partnerships between government and non-governmental organisations are proving a sound platform for helping protect New Zealand’s marine environment, writes MAF Biosecurity New Zealand’s Bob Johnston, Lou Hunt and Jennie Brunton.

National and regional partnerships The Top of the South Partnership, initiatives undertaken to promote co-ordinated by MAFBNZ, includes stopping the spread of marine pests. Many organisations and individuals representation from the three councils, Marine biosecurity information has have an interest in protecting our the Ministry of Fisheries (MFish), been given to advocates engaged marine environment from damaging Department of Conservation (DoC), through the Coromandel Marine pests. It is therefore desirable that all aquaculture industry, port companies, Farming Association and Northland interested parties – central and local tangata whenua and other stakeholders. Regional Council; the Marina government agencies, iwi, industry and Operators’ Association is working with other stakeholders – act together to The partnership has developed a MAFBNZ to distribute “clean boating” pool expertise and resources, and work strategic plan that identifies priority and “clean marinas” guidelines (see page collaboratively towards common goals. actions to prevent the introduction and minimise the spread of damaging 12); and regional events such as boat MAF Biosecurity New Zealand marine species. The council partners shows and cruising club events have (MAFBNZ) co-ordinates a national have all supported the strategic plan and been attended to promote marine marine partnership framework called agreed to provide ongoing funding to biosecurity best practice. STOMP (Stop the Spread of Marine implement it, and MAFBNZ has This increase in awareness of marine Pests). committed ongoing funding. This is the pest management has resulted in vessels The goal of the partnership is to first time such a joint funding approach carrying marine pests being intercepted improve marine pest management has been agreed for marine biosecurity on arrival at a local port. capability over time, including an management in New Zealand. Priority actions for the next year include increased level of protection for A locally based co-ordinator is being continued improvements to information high-value marine areas. This includes: contracted for the partnership sharing, developing regional • raising awareness about marine pest programme, whose responsibilities will surveillance and promoting operational management and how organisations include assisting with: guidelines for tidal grid use. and individuals can contribute to • developing advocacy programmes; this; Chatham Islands • engaging with marine users; • developing marine pest The Chatham Islands Marine • identifying high-value areas to management capability across Partnership is the newest of the regional protect; central and regional government marine partnerships. The partnership’s and industry; • identifying high-risk pathways and potential members include MAFBNZ • preventing and slowing the spread vectors for pest spread; and (co-ordinator), Environment of marine invasive species and • developing and promoting Canterbury, the Chatham Islands mitigating the impacts of these, surveillance programmes. Council, DOC, MFish, iwi, the where feasible and affordable. Chatham Islands fishing industry, Top of the North STOMP functions as an umbrella group shipping and port companies. for several regional partnerships that are The Top of the North Partnership also Like other partnerships, this one will being established around the country. aims to build marine biosecurity focus on prevention activities and These regional partnerships are at capacity to stop the spread of marine changing people’s behaviours, and will various stages of development – pests. To date, the focus of this target primary pathways by which a summary for each follows. partnership has been collaborating on marine pests can spread, for example, operational activities as MAFBNZ vessel fouling. Top of the South builds networks with potential regional The pilot programme for regional partners for the future. Fiordland partnerships is the Top of the South Information sharing has been the key The Fiordland Marine Biosecurity Island – covering coastline administered outcome, with a MAFBNZ marine Partnership consists of representatives by the Nelson City Council and biosecurity webpage set up, workshops from MAFBNZ, DOC, MFish, Marlborough and Tasman District held in the region to extend knowledge Ministry for the Environment (MfE), Councils. of marine pests, and numerous local Environment Southland and the

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Fiordland Marine Guardians (the Guardians). Each of the central Recreational vessels: options for government agencies is responsible for collaboratively implementing the managing biosecurity risks Fiordland Marine Conservation Strategy that was developed by the Recreational vessels are increasingly The report provides several options and Guardians. being linked with the introduction and spread recommendations: of some high profile pest species, such as Under the conservation strategy, • introduce a regular antifouling MAFBNZ has worked with the other didemnum and undaria, writes regime – every 12 months – with the agencies and the Guardians to develop Paul Sheldon, Nelson City Council’s possibility of a Warrant of Fitness sticker a Fiordland Marine Biosecurity Environmental Monitoring Co-ordinator. or displayable document indicating Strategic Plan. Vessels moored in-water are a particular compliance; The Cawthron Institute is also biosecurity concern because they: • introduce a regime of regular vessel developing a Risk Management • remain idle for long periods and can get inspections to identify high-risk vessels; Operational Plan for the Fiordland heavily affected by pest species; • ensure that appropriate resources (for Marine Area, which will be • are often slow moving, meaning associated example, facilities and expertise) are implemented over the next five years. fouling assemblages tend to survive vessel available for treatment; The plan proposes that most effort be passage rather than being dislodged; • consider the implementation of a directed to vector management, with supporting measures around • often visit high-value sites such as marine biosecurity levy to recover costs; surveillance, agency co-ordination, and reserves and aquaculture sites; • introduce public awareness communications for education and • are largely unmanaged for biosecurity risks. programmes; and behaviour change. In response to these concerns, the Nelson City • introduce management of swing A great deal has already been learned Council, with funding from the Foundation moorings and tidal grids. from an interim operational for Research, Science and Technology (FRST) The report was commissioned to consider programme that began in 2007. This Envirolink medium advice grant scheme, options for Nelson in particular, and is not programme consists of generic has commissioned the Cawthron Institute necessarily a template for other regions. measures (education campaign, vessel to conduct a “think piece” to stimulate However, the issues it addresses are inspections, compliance and pest discussion on marine biosecurity risks widespread, and some of the management control) to reduce the immediate risk of associated with recreational vessels at the options presented may be applicable potential marine pests from Southland Nelson marina. elsewhere. spreading into Fiordland. The interim The resulting report, Options for Managing programme will inform the longer-term The report’s recommendations will be used Biosecurity Risks from Recreational Vessel operational activities. by the Nelson City Council in its review of Hubs (Cawthron Report No. 1591, April the terms and conditions for berth-holder In addition, MAFBNZ, DoC and 2009), was authored by Richard Piola and agreements at the Nelson marina, which Environment Southland are working Barrie Forrest. The report identifies two broad includes consultation with boat owners. collectively to develop a Joint-agency management options: Marine Biosecurity Response Paul McArthur, the Council’s manager of Agreement. This agreement will provide • control of the source population of a parks and facilities, expects the review to be a framework for investigating and pest(s) within the marine environment completed within the next 12 months. itself; and responding to marine risk organisms For a copy of the report, see the Envirolink that are detected in the Fiordland • direct management of vectors (vessels). website at www.envirolink.govt.nz – click on Marine Area. The report considers vector management the “reports” tab and report number 607. ■ Bob Johnston, Lou Hunt, Jennie Brunton, to be the most realistic and achievable, ■ Paul Sheldon, Environmental Monitoring Pest Management Team Advisers, MAFBNZ, but notes that the two approaches are not [email protected], Co-ordinator, Nelson City Council, [email protected], mutually exclusive. [email protected] [email protected]

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Marinas and MAFBNZ working together for marine biosecurity

New Zealand’s marina network is working closely with MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) to help protect our coastal environments from the impacts of marine pests.

he New Zealand Marina Operators’ Association is phasing in an international environmental initiative Tknown as the Clean Marinas programme and is working to incorporate biosecurity information in the process. The programme embraces the many aspects of environmentally friendly boating, including sewage management, boat refuelling, bilge water and boat cleaning, between the boating fraternity and environmental agencies and incorporates the world’s best practice in terms of promoting best practice and environmental concerns. sustainability in the marine environment. “We already have a number of marinas throughout the It is designed for both individual boaties and marina country pledging their commitment to the Clean Marina operators. Operators participate through a self-assessment programme.” audit programme, while for individual boat owners the The wider Clean Marinas programme is supported by emphasis is more on education. the Auckland Regional Council through its Coastal Information will be shared with boaties through online Enhancement Fund, which allocates funding annually resources and printed fact sheets, which will be widely to projects that improve the coastal environment. distributed through marina offices, mail outs and boat Now MAFBNZ is on board, it is working in partnership with shows. Future plans include the concept of “dock walkers” or the marinas to produce a Clean Boating booklet. The booklet face-to-face advocates, working in and around marinas, will contain full information on biosecurity best practice, engaging boaties in conversations about best practice, and including effective boat cleaning and the importance of sharing information and products/giveaways. thorough antifouling. It will also stress the potential impacts Marina Operators’ Association spokesman Brett Colby says of pest species, the need for cleaning to be carried out in the programme is a good example of an industry-led facilities with waste containment, and guidelines for programme developed by industry for industry. environmentally sound use of tidal maintenance grids. “We aim to offer practical, cost effective solutions to The relationship has developed through the work of the Top everyday operational issues. Facilities who can demonstrate of the North Partnership programme, which sees MAFBNZ they consistently use best management practices to reduce working with regional councils, local industries, iwi and environmental impacts will be designated as a “Clean government agencies to improve marine biosecurity in the Marina” and be awarded a specific level of achievement upper North Island – New Zealand’s boating hub. within the nationally recognised accreditation programme.” Find out more about the Clean Marinas programme at: Mr Colby says that in terms of environmental education, his www.cleanmarinas.org.nz organisation is in a prime position to become the conduit ■ Specific information for boaties is at: www.cleanboating.org.nz

12 MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND MARINE 92 Marine Value Mapping: questions of what, why and where

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ’s) obligation to safeguard New Zealand’s marine environment from pests and diseases is a challenging task.

arine borders are hard to manage because there is no Msingle physical point of arrival – for example, organisms living on a vessel’s hull (biofouling – see pages 4 and 8) have the potential to disperse into New Zealand’s coastal waters as a ship makes its way into port. To make matters even more difficult, water acts as a visual and physical barrier – surveillance activities are no simple task, and neither are efforts to collect general information on underwater ecosystems. Given the challenges and limitations of working in an underwater environment, it is not surprising that significant components of marine biodiversity are Examples of some of the environmental value mapping datasets. undescribed or yet to be discovered. A series of expert focus groups and hui and regional authorities. This project is To effectively manage biosecurity risks were used to identify a range of aimed towards consolidating spatial to New Zealand’s marine environment, sub-components for each of the four information on coastal values into a it is critical that we have an marine core areas as indicated above. single, national source. The understanding of what is at risk. The focus groups comprised a broad environmental and economic Fundamental questions are “What do range of participants, each with specific workstreams have been completed we want to protect?, Why do we want to expertise in the marine sciences, (reports are available at protect it? and Where is it?” valuation theory and marine resource www.biosecurity.govt.nz/about-us/ Knowing the identity, importance and management. They included leading our-publications/technical-papers), and location of “core values” allows New Zealand scientists, economists, the social and cultural projects were government agencies to better anticipate sociologists and representatives from scheduled to be completed in June 2009. potential impacts to the environment, several coastal iwi. The project is the first systematic and this knowledge can be used to For each of the selected sub- attempt to identify and map prioritise management and inform components, the focus groups identified components of value (environmental, decision making. the methods and information available economic, social and cultural) in To address this information need, for assessing their characteristics relation to New Zealand’s coastal MAFBNZ, in conjunction with the (“value”) and locations. Relevant data marine ecosystem. The comprehensive Department of Conservation (DoC), holdings were then acquired, with a database of marine resources and their co-ordinated a research programme to focus on sources that were freely relative values can be applied to a identify and map a range of sub- available through sharing agreements, variety of coastal zone impacts. In this components for each of the following or within the public domain. way, the project will have wide benefits marine core values: In the final phase of the projects, the to coastal resource managers, including • environmental – for example, data was collated and then synthesised central and local government, scientists, habitat types, protected areas and in a Geographic Information System researchers and environmental decision species distributions; (GIS) to produce maps of the core value makers. • economic – for example, coastal sub-components. It is also expected that the project will land value and commercial fishing; Although information on the have additional conservation and • social – for example, recreation management benefits outside the sites and amenity value; and distribution of coastal resources has biosecurity perspective. • cultural – for example fishing already been assembled in geographic grounds such as taiāpure and databases, in many cases it is ■ Dr Dan Kluza, Senior Adviser, Risk Analysis (Marine), mātaitai. fragmented among a range of national MAFBNZ, [email protected]

MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND 13 92 MARINE

ELIMINATION OF FANWORM PROCEEDS IN LYTTELTON PORT Work is underway on a $3.5 million programme aimed at involves a partial inspection of a large number of wharf piles with the eliminating the marine pest Mediterranean fanworm from Lyttelton express purpose of rapidly identifying Port of Christchurch. the likely spread of the fanworms throughout the port – whereas AF Biosecurity New Treatment involves divers treatment thoroughly searches the Zealand (MAFBNZ) systematically searching for entirety of each and every wharf pile detected the individual fanworms, and, where M within the identified treatment site. Mediterranean fanworm (Sabella found, manually removing them. This spallanzanii) last year during its methodology has been demonstrated This two-tiered approach allows the routine surveillance programme by research to be the best means of allocation of the treatment effort to of checking ports of entry to reducing and ultimately eliminating areas where it is most needed, for New Zealand for a suite of high-risk the worm. Areas searched include example, where the fanworms are pests. The fanworm is an introduced wharf piles, pontoons, some vessels being found. Any fanworms found species that has the potential to harm and even areas of seabed. during surveillance are also removed New Zealand’s coastal marine for further examination. During the latest treatment round, in environment. April, divers retrieved some 64 The most recent surveillance round, MAFBNZ’s contractors on the fanworms – a result Response undertaken in May, found a further elimination programme, Diving Manager Dr Peter Stratford says is an 26 specimens from more than 1200 Services New Zealand, and the expected outcome this early in the piles inspected throughout the National Institute of Water and elimination programme. Lyttelton Port area, including one on Atmospheric Research (NIWA) have the Cashin Quay wharf – the port’s In addition to the treatment recently completed the first treatment large container vessel wharf, and programme, a fanworm surveillance cycle in the port’s waters (although outside the semi-enclosed port area. initial work scoping the scale of the programme is also in place in the infestation also involved treatment by Lyttelton Port area. The surveillance Dr Stratford says the find is not removing all fanworms found). differs from the treatment in that it considered to impact significantly on

14 MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND MARINE 92

“Treatment involves divers systematically searching for individual fanworms, and, where found, manually removing them. This methodology has been demonstrated by research to be the best means of reducing and ultimately eliminating the worm.”

juvenile fanworms are found, it may indicate that the population is struggling to reproduce successfully,” says Dr Stratford. “The use of this ‘tool’ is still experimental, but along with the diver searches, it forms part of the range of techniques we’re using in this attempt to eliminate the fanworm.” MAFBNZ is also urging the owners and operators of boats moored in Lyttelton to continue to keep up good maintenance programmes on their vessels. If vessels have anything more than a

Sabella spallanzanii. light slime layer on their hull (for example, a furry layer or actual barnacles, mussels, etc), they are at the overall elimination programme at review period, so we’ll have a good risk of picking up the fanworm – and this stage. idea of how the programme is other marine species – and spreading them to new, potentially high-value “The fanworms that have been performing by then,” Dr Stratford removed from the port are now being says. areas. examined to determine their As well as the search and removal “Areas particularly at risk are other reproductive status and size operation, work is also underway on parts of the wider Lyttelton Harbour, distribution. This information is a separate scientific study to give the nearby Marlborough and Nelson useful as it will help us determine MAFBNZ a better understanding of areas, Stewart Island and Fiordland – when the fanworms are likely to whether there are any hidden all with high value tourism, unique breed, so we are able to plan further populations of the fanworms that the environmental assets or marine treatment activities around those divers are unable to detect. This farming industries.” times,” he says. project involves placing 20 structures, MAFBNZ is also running an In order to rid Lyttelton of the pest, it (called settlement plate arrays) made education programme targeting is expected several treatment and up of small PVC panels (or tiles) and Lyttelton vessel owners and port surveillance cycles will be required. rope tassels, strategically around the users. This includes direct The cycles are planned for about inner Lyttelton port. The theory is information drops to berth holders, a every three months, and may that if there are any fanworm larvae club evening to talk to boaties, signs continue for two years. The next full floating around in the water, they can in the port and at marina berths and treatment round is scheduled for settle on these structures. The targeted advertising in boating and June 2009. structures can then be retrieved after fishing publications. The programme will, however, be six weeks and carefully studied to The message is simple – keep your reviewed in October this year to determine if any new fanworms have hull free of fouling and maintain a ensure the treatment remains grown. good coating of antifoul paint. effective. “If small fanworms are found, we will “It is hoped that the entire port will know there are more adults in the ■ Dr Peter Stratford, Response Manager, MAFBNZ, have been inspected by the October area that we have not yet found. If no [email protected]

MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND 15 92 MARINE FISHING FOR MARINE BIOSECURITY THREATS

The fi rst study in the world to comprehensively look at biofouling across vessel types is being carried out by MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ).

new season is underway for Fishing vessel sampling started in 2006 MAFBNZ has contracted the the cutting-edge Vessels but only three vessels were sampled Cawthron Institute in Nelson to sample A Biofouling project – this year because changes in fishing quotas and fishing vessels arriving from focusing on fishing boats. regulations meant fewer international international waters to the ports of Auckland, Nelson and Timaru. These Non-indigenous marine species that fishing vessels were entering the ports were chosen because they have can impact on New Zealand’s New Zealand Exclusive Economic the most consistent international environment and people are most Zone (EEZ) to fish and port. arrivals of fishing boats. likely to arrive as biofouling on vessels. To understand the risks fishing vessels MAFBNZ has been determining the pose to biosecurity, the scope of the MAF border staff advise scientists at relative risks associated with vessel survey has been readjusted to better Cawthron when a boat is about to biofouling through a systematic reflect these patterns. Previously only arrive, and a team then surveys the sampling of international vessels since foreign flagged vessels entering the vessel. Sampling began in February and 2004. The risks associated with EEZ, fishing, and then leaving, were will be completed by December. Six commercial, passenger, recreational considered. Now international and boats have been sampled so far, of an and slow-moving vessels are becoming domestic vessels that have worked expected total of at least ten. clear but information on fishing vessels outside of, or are passing through, the Sampling is voluntary, and involves has been lacking. EEZ are considered. underwater divers systematically continued on next page ❯

Option 1: Harvest as part of control or by- HAVE YOUR SAY – Commercial harvest of undaria product operations only (status quo) MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) is seeking feedback on possible This option prohibits farming. Option 2: Harvest anywhere undaria has options to allow greater commercial use of the introduced Asian seaweed naturalised, but excluding farming undaria (Undaria pinnatifi da) without signifi cantly increasing its adverse This option would allow harvesting anywhere impacts on the marine environment. undaria has naturalised, including natural substrates, artificial surfaces, floating or ndaria, an exotic pest seaweed, food and pharmaceutical markets beach cast. Option 2 prohibits farming. was accidentally introduced to because antiviral compounds from Option 3: Harvest anywhere undaria UNew Zealand in the mid- undaria have been found to inhibit the has naturalised, farming only in highly 1980s. It is now found in most ports and herpes simplex virus. Other uses infested areas harbours along the east coast of include as fertiliser and fish food. This option would allow harvesting anywhere New Zealand as well as in Taranaki, the Currently, undaria is allowed to be undaria has naturalised as in option 2. Option 3 would also allow farming in areas already top of the South Island, Stewart Island commercially harvested when taken as heavily infested with undaria. and Snares Islands/Tini Heke. Its part of a control programme or as a distribution around New Zealand is a by-product of another activity, for Submissions on the discussion combination of spread from the initial example, mussel farming. Some parties document must be received by MAFBNZ no later than 5pm on Friday introduction as well as additional are interested in widening the type and 31 July 2009. Information on the introductions. scope of situations where it would be submission process is included within In its edible form, undaria is commonly legal to commercially harvest the the discussion document. known as “wakame” and can be used for seaweed. ■ Copies of the discussion document are salads, fish and meat dishes, and in MAFBNZ has developed a discussion available at www.biosecurity.govt.nz/ soups and accompaniments. There is document for public comment that biosec/consult or contact Maria Cassidy at also increasing promotion in the health looks at the following three options: [email protected] or (04) 894 0403.

16 MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND MARINE 92

gathering information on biofouling amounts, locations and species. Diving teams record and collect organisms found on the hulls, which are later identified by experts (Figures 1, 2 and 3). The captain is given a questionnaire that asks for information on the boat’s characteristics (for example, length and cruising speed), maintenance regime Figure 1: Fishing boat at dock, being refuelled and about to be surveyed for the Vessel Biofouling project. (such as type of antifouling paint and date of last clean) and voyage history (last 20 ports and dates of layover). This data will be analysed for trends that may help prevent future arrivals of non-indigenous animals in New Zealand through biofouling. A review of marine biofouling, non-indigenous marine species, and their impacts is presented by MAFBNZ Adviser, Risk Analysis (Marine) Dr Andrew Bell on page 6. General trends of vessel biofouling from analysis so far are also presented, as well as recent developments and thinking in the sphere of vessel biofouling. Although biofouling on the bottom Figure 2: Scuba divers taking photo-quadrats on the boat’s hull. of vessels is known to have introduced non-indigenous species into New Zealand and around the world, little research has been done on it. “This is the first study of its kind in the world to comprehensively look at biofouling across vessel types,” MAFBNZ Senior Adviser, Risk Analysis (Marine) Dr Daniel Kluza says. MAFBNZ’s work not only benefits New Zealand but is also feeding into international attempts to understand the issues and risks involved in biofouling, for example, the Biofouling Correspondence group of the International Maritime Organisation

(see page 3). Figure 3: A patch of biofouling on an area of clean hull. The white squiggles are shell tubes of worms. ■ Simon Philips. Adviser, Risk Analysis (Marine), All photos courtesy of Cawthron Institute. MAFBNZ, [email protected]

MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND 17 92 MARINE

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) is constantly increasing its ability to detect aquatic diseases that could damage New Zealand’s environment and economy.

MAFBNZ capacity in aquatic animal environmental, economic, social and role to play in the biosecurity of diagnostics cultural welfare of New Zealand. New Zealand. In fostering a cross- MAFBNZ, through its Investigation MAFBNZ approach, a Principal Just like marine pests, it is important to and Diagnostic Centres (IDCs), Adviser in aquatic animal diseases has be able to detect and identify diseases provides an aquatic animal diseases just been appointed and is based and pathogens of aquatic animals (fish, diagnostic service. within the AHL. molluscs and crustaceans). Aquatic animals play an important role in the The IDC at Wallaceville houses both the Marine Incursion Investigator, who Thinking globally: international responds to reports from the MAF aquatic animal health hotline (0800 80 99 66), and the Animal Aquatic animal health is a global issue. Health Laboratory (AHL) where the Not only does it affect the environment diagnostic tests are carried out. and productivity of aquatic natural Diagnostic tools used at Wallaceville resources worldwide, but there are include pathology, immunology, trade implications too. bacterial culture and virus isolation on MAFBNZ is represented by AHL staff fish cell lines. These classical on the Australian Sub-committee on diagnostic disciplines are Aquatic Animal Health (SCAAH) and supplemented by the increasing use of the Animal Quads aquatic animal molecular tests (looking for the nucleic health working group (a joint acids of pathogens). Australia, Canada, New Zealand and The aquatic diagnostic team deals with US group). Both these groups deal with a wide variety of cases every year, from broad national and international straightforward testing of salmon for aquatic animal health policy export, to complex investigations of development and collaboration. shellfish mortalities and, of course, the In addition, IDC provides technical fascinating clinical oddities that crop and policy input to the World up from time to time in the aquatic Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), population. both as a member country and through It is increasingly clear that capability in the Principal Adviser’s invited aquatic animal health has a significant membership of OIE working groups.

18 MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND MARINE 92

Acting locally: advancing diagnostics for New Zealand Not only does the laboratory carry out diagnostic tests, it also develops new ones, constantly improving MAFBNZ’s diagnostic capacity. Aquatic animal bacteriology diagnostics is complex and often fails to follow clearly defined text-book scenarios. MAFBNZ recognised the need to develop and validate rapid fish trade, particularly those caused by diagnostics for specific aquatic animal iridoviruses. bacterial diseases. Initially four bacterial diseases were chosen based Iridoviruses are emerging pathogens on identification of risk pathways: that affect various animals in fresh and • Aeromonas salmonicida and salt water. The virus causes serious Yersinia ruckeri, which have had disease outbreaks in natural and significant impacts on salmon in cultured environments. Iridoviruses northern hemisphere countries. also infect amphibians and reptiles These diseases were chosen and, along with fungal infection and because of the importance of habitat destruction, have contributed protecting New Zealand’s salmon to amphibian population decline industry, which has an export value around the world. The ability of of $44 million in 20081. iridoviruses to infect various types of hosts is a cause for concern as they can • Streptococcus iniae and Lactococcus spread readily to new host species. garvieae, which may enter New Zealand via the ornamental fish A project is currently being completed trade, and pose a risk to the health to develop molecular diagnostic tests of multiple marine and freshwater to rapidly and accurately detect finfish species iridoviruses. Scientists at Wallaceville have succeeded in developing DNA- While aquarium keeping can be great based tools to detect both major fun and a rewarding hobby, groups of iridoviruses responsible for ornamental fish are a potential threat fish and amphibian mortality. to New Zealand’s fisheries industries, native fish and other wildlife. More We’ve got the paua: we want to than 1000 exotic freshwater and keep them marine fish species are permitted to enter into New Zealand and 1.2 million Readers may be well aware of the viral fish are imported each year. disease causing concerning mortalities in wild abalone in Victoria, Australia. Reports have emerged in recent years New Zealand paua are related to the that highlight the risk of disease spread Australian abalone so MAFBNZ associated with the global ornamental determined that full diagnostic capacity for this emerging disease,

1 Scientific papers for publication in peer reviewed called abalone viral ganglioneuritis ❯ continued over page journals are currently in preparation.

MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND 19 92 MARINE

❯ continued from previous page New principal adviser for aquatic animal diseases

Colin Johnston was recently appointed MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) Principal Adviser, Aquatic Animal Diseases. (AVG), should be developed at hundreds of biofouling animals to see Based within the Investigation and Diagnostic Wallaceville. if there is evidence of pathogens of Centre (IDC) Animal Health Laboratory at Wallaceville, Dr Johnston diagnoses diseases of While advanced clinical disease could significance to New Zealand. fish, molluscs and crustaceans using pathology, be diagnosed using histopathology and The project is still in its early days, but bacteriology, virology and DNA technologies. He is electron microscopy, MAFBNZ had no progress has been made in validating also involved in developing new diagnostic methods way of detecting the pathogen in the tools and sourcing appropriate for diseases of significance to New Zealand. mildly affected animals or those paua reference material from around the Dr Johnston represents New Zealand on the Quads not showing clinical signs at all. world. Information from studies such aquatic diseases working group (a joint Australia, Scientists are nearing the end of a as this one will inform New Zealand’s Canada, New Zealand and US group) and the Australian Sub-committee on Aquatic Animal Health two-year project on the AVG virus, input into the work of the International (SCAAH). He sits on a World Organisation for Animal funded by MAFBNZ, and working in Maritime Organisation (IMO) on biofouling and ballast water Health (OIE) working group on the biosecurity safety collaboration with the Australian of commodities from aquatic animals and has been management. Animal Health Laboratory. As a result, an invited speaker on fish welfare by both the Royal the diagnostic laboratory now has a Society of New Zealand and the RSPCA Australia. A platform for continued range of rapid and accurate diagnostic A veterinarian, Dr Johnston has worked full-time tools to detect the disease in the development with aquatic animals for more than 12 years, and absence of clinical signs. Working with aquatic animal diseases is a member of the Australian College of Veterinary (The assistance of the Paua Industry is a dynamic and rapidly developing Science by examination in aquatic animal diseases. In 2006, he was made an examiner in aquatic Council Ltd with this project is area, and it is vitally important that animal diseases for the College. gratefully acknowledged.) improvements in diagnostic capability continue. Dr Johnston joined MAFBNZ in 2006, where he Dirty bottoms: are they a disease worked in Policy and Risk before his move to the The validation and implementation of Wallaceville IDC. He was previously the Veterinary risk for New Zealand? the advanced diagnostic tools discussed Manager for a large UK aquaculture company, Internationally, there is an ongoing above has increased MAFBNZ’s responsible for the health and welfare of 45 million focus on the pest risk posed by diagnostic capability and provided an fish across almost 60 farms. He then moved to biofouling on shipping, oil rigs and excellent platform on which to continue Australia, where he became the General Manager, Aquatic Resources, with the Government of barges. But there is also evidence to building capability in the area of aquatic South Australia. He had carriage of the State suggest that some fouling organisms, animal pathogens of significance to aquatic animal health and aquaculture resource such as bivalve shellfish, could carry New Zealand. management programmes and oversight of the diseases to another country. For more information see: State Government-funded aquaculture management research programme. To investigate this risk pathway, the www.biosecurity.govt.nz/pests/ Wallaceville AHL is running a project animals/ahl/aaddt Dr Johnston’s appointment as Principal Adviser will to introduce and validate diagnostic enable him to provide advice across MAFBNZ and become more involved in coaching and mentoring tools for detecting pathogens in ■ Dr Colin Johnston, Principal Adviser, Aquatic Animal Diseases, MAFBNZ, [email protected] other staff. biofouling organisms, and is looking at

20 MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND MARINE 92 BIOSECURITY ESSENTIAL TO NEW ZEALAND’S AQUACULTURE SUCCESS

Biosecurity magazine asked pests can overgrow aquaculture stock which its produce grows is as clean as Aquaculture New Zealand for and natural communities with serious possible and stays that way. It is also adverse effects. However, to other important for New Zealand Inc, as an its views on the importance of marine users such species may be event can have a damaging, if not fatal, protecting New Zealand from completely unseen. effect on commercial enterprises. pests and diseases, and the Marine aquaculture’s location within New Zealand’s marine environment is the public domain introduces a layer of unique and vast. It is also economically, challenges ahead. As Research complexity absent for some terrestrial ecologically and socially important. Manager Mike Mandeno writes, pests. Within the marine environment Protection of this vast environment there is a range of human vectors and from unwanted pests requires a New Zealand’s reputation as a artificial structures under various types vigilant, responsive, robust and producer of healthy seafood from of ownership. All have the potential to integrated biosecurity system. This will a clean and pristine environment mediate the spread of introduced pests. rely on clear incentives for responsible However, there is no common behaviour by all users. needs to be guarded vigilantly. incentive to ensure owners keep the There is a lot at stake. Aside from the environment free of pest species. range of values that can be affected by ocated far from heavily With new marine incursions, the marine pests, at risk is New Zealand’s populated and polluted areas, visitor has often taken the opportunity reputation as a producer of healthy clean waters and spectacular to adopt a travelling host. By the time seafood from a clean and pristine L wider ecological effects of an incursion environment. This is one of our natural coastlines, make New Zealand one of the most ideal countries for growing are realised, the opportunity for competitive advantages, and one that seafood. Stringent quality assurance eradication will probably be gone. should be guarded vigilantly. programmes work to guarantee the This introduces a need for robust and ■ high quality of New Zealand’s precautionary initial assessments of Aquaculture New Zealand, based in Nelson, aquaculture produce. likely effects, especially ecological was formed as a single voice for the effects. New Zealand aquaculture sector and to Biosecurity is an essential element in implement the industry strategy released in The optimal approach is to prevent the sector’s continued success. Be it 2006, which outlines the industry’s vision new incursions altogether through within the farming or processing and goals to 2025. The Strategy sets out a pre-border and at-border protection phases, a biosecurity event can have a 10-point plan identifying the steps the measures. However, such measures are lasting commercial effect with the organisation will be taking to work with the subject to international agreements added reputational risk well beyond sector to achieve the vision of being a and take considerable time to establish. the event. $1 billion industry by 2025. Aquaculture The aquaculture sector is extremely There is an ongoing need for measures New Zealand brings together individual vigilant. The reason for the vigilance is to control and eradicate new species bodies, the New Zealand Mussel threefold with possible outcomes incursions. Effective systems require Industry Council, New Zealand Salmon seeing the industry being one of the the co-operation of all user groups – Famers’ Association and the New Zealand following: victim, competitor or vector including marine farmers, commercial Oyster Industry Association. Primarily funded – or all three. operators and recreational users. through an industry levy, the organisation is However, not all user groups are easily focused on legislative reform and the Aquatic pest species can be among the motivated to behave responsibly. creation and implementation of research and most challenging. This is because of development and market development logistical difficulties with working in As occupants of public space, the strategies. This work is underpinned by a the aquatic environment – difficulties aquaculture sector can be at risk from a focus on sustainability and recognition of with detection and because of the variety of factors, the majority of which the current and future role of Maori in the ability of some organisms to reproduce are easily identifiable and monitored development of the industry. and disperse via microscopic life for, with the support of the relevant See www.aquaculture.org.nz for more stages. This is especially true for agencies and deliverers. It is in the information. marine fouling pests. These types of sector’s interest to ensure the water in

MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND 21 92 FRONTLINE NEWS FIRST SALTWATER CROCS EMIGRATE TO NZ

New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) vets were close at hand for the import of New Zealand’s fi rst saltwater crocodiles.

oldie and Scar arrived at Whenuapai Air Force base on a Hercules on Tuesday 21 April at 11.55pm. Both Gsaltwater crocs were caught in the wild in Australia before living in crocodile farms. Goldie hails from North Queensland and Scar from the Northern Territory. Scar, weighing in at more than 450 kilograms, and Goldie, at 420 kilograms, are both about 40-years-old. Scar is 4.8 metres in length and Goldie not far behind, measuring Goldie’s turn. He came out still having some rope stuck on 4.5 metres. his tooth. Once he had warmed up he also went into the The night they arrived in New Zealand was freezing – our water (which is heated to at approximately 31 degrees), first cold snap of the year – and these crocs sure had a shock where he thrashed around a bit to dislodge the rope. All was – coming from temperatures in the mid-thirties to finally over at 4.30am. Auckland’s winter of single digits. The crocs were in quarantine for seven days and monitored The crated crocs were off-loaded from the Hercules and by NZFSA vets for that period. The quarantine period ended hoisted onto a truck. From Whenuapai they were escorted by on 29 April, and the pair have been on public view since late NZFSA vets to Butterfly Creek, a zoo and tourism/hospitality May. facility near Auckland Airport. Goldie and Scar are fiercely territorial and so need to be kept The real fun began as Goldie and Scar were craned off the in separate enclosures. Both are doing well in their new truck and over the Butterfly Creek railway, then slid along homes. Goldie seems to be the more confident of the two scaffolding frames into their new enclosures. – very active from his early days here and dining on some great New Zealand chicken breast and pork belly. First out was a slightly chilled Scar. It took a while for him to warm up, but he soon began to move, promptly wedging Len Brown, Manukau City Mayor, will officially open the himself between one of the rocks and the exhibit barrier, crocodile exhibit on 2 July. before easing himself into his heated pool. Then it was ■ Andrea Smith (nee Plume), MAFBNZ, [email protected]

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Antarctica New Zealand has hile a lot of attention has that they are more difficult to predict. been given to the MAF’s experience in risk analysis and been working with the Ministry of Wprotection of Antarctica, managing hitchhiker organisms is Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) to biosecurity has not been a priority therefore relevant in assessing and better understand and manage until relatively recently. There is now managing risks to Antarctica. increasing concern about biosecurity Work with Antarctica New Zealand biosecurity threats to Antarctica. threats, especially when combined with goes back some years and was initially Melanie Newfi eld, Senior Adviser, the impact of climate change. focused on managing people and Risk Analysis, visited Scott Base In a place where most of the specimens returning from Antarctica. biodiversity is microscopic or hidden Attention has now turned to better in February. under ice, most of the threats are also biosecurity protection. MAF’s likely to be microscopic or hidden, contribution to this has included making the risks much harder to identification of intercepted organisms

Mount Erebus from the top of Crater Hill. Photo by understand and assess. Most are also by its Investigation and Diagnostic Melanie Newfield, MAFBNZ. likely to be hitchhiker species, meaning Centres (IDCs), advice from the

MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND 23 92 FRONTLINE NEWS

View from Robert Falcon Scott’s hut at Cape Evans. “The Tane Mahuta of Ross Island” – lichen near Scott Base. Photo by Melanie Newfield, MAFBNZ. Photo Jana Newman, Antarctica New Zealand.

Post-Border Directorate on managing Scott Base, on Ross Island, is the centre and fields that cover New Zealand, but a fly incursion at Scott Base, for New Zealand’s activities in the it is diverse and unique. Around Scott involvement in an international Antarctic. During the late spring and Base the obvious life is seals and skuas workshop on non-native species in the summer months there are three flights a (large birds related to the gull family), Antarctic in 2006, and advice from Risk week bringing people and cargo to the while on other parts of Ross Island there Analysis on assessing and prioritising base. Once a year a cargo ship and a fuel is an abundance of penguins. biosecurity risks. tanker bring additional supplies. Also found in tiny pockets around Occasional tour ships also visit the area. Scott Base and McMurdo Station are Although it is a remote location, there lichens, algae and mosses. Some of the are still many opportunities for lichens found just centimetres from non-native species to be transported tracks could be more than 1000 years to Antarctica. old, and could be destroyed by a However, once a new species arrives it careless footprint. has to contend with Antarctica’s most Other species include small effective biosecurity measure – the invertebrates such as nematodes climate. The driest, coldest and windiest (roundworms), springtails and mites, continent on earth is a hostile place to soil-inhabiting fungi and bacteria that Antarctic biodiversity – Weddell seal. Photo by Melanie most life, but a surprising number of survive in thermal areas on active Newfield, MAFBNZ. species are able to cope with extreme volcanoes such as Mount Erebus. conditions. Diverse and remarkably colourful A small number of introduced species marine communities are found under have taken advantage of human- the sea ice in water with an average modified environments, for example, temperature of about –2 celsius (the flies have sometimes established and salt content lowers the freezing point of become a nuisance in heated buildings. the water below zero). Some species have adapted to surviving The unique position of Antarctica, as the worst weather and grow only the world’s least modified when conditions are favourable, wilderness and a “non- and it is these kinds of species that country” where the main are likely to be the most serious human activity is scientific threat. One of the main research, also means that the biosecurity threats may be biosecurity threats to native Antarctic species that Antarctica need to be are inadvertently considered in a way that is transported to new different from biosecurity locations by human threats to a country like activities. New Zealand. The biodiversity of When assessing the risks Antarctica is not as to New Zealand, MAF obvious as the lush forests has clear guidance about Mount Erebus with road-marker flag. Photo by Melanie Newfield, MAFBNZ.

24 MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND FRONTLINE NEWS 92

Iceberg at Cape Bird. Photo by Melanie Newfield, MAFBNZ.

Unloading a United States Airforce C-17 Globemaster at Pegasus Airfield (Ross Ice Shelf). Photo by Melanie Newfield, MAFBNZ. what values it is trying to protect. Documents such as the Biosecurity Act 1993, Biosecurity Strategy and the

MAF Statement of Intent state the aim Antarctic biodiversity – Adelie penguins at Cape Bird. Photo by Melanie Newfield, MAFBNZ. of protecting New Zealand’s economy, environment and people (both human health and social/cultural values). One of the areas where Antarctic biosecurity differs is that “wilderness” and “science” are central to what is valued about Antarctica. Just as transport of people and cargo to New Zealand has associated biosecurity risks, so does transport to Antarctica. New Zealand is a recognised leader in biosecurity, and that means there are high expectations as well as opportunities to provide international leadership on protecting Antarctica from biosecurity threats. With MAF and Antarctica New Zealand working together, the experience of both organisations can contribute to protecting one of the world’s most unique and special places. ■ Melanie Newfield, Senior Adviser, Risk Analysis, MAFBNZ, [email protected]

MV American Tern docked at the port at McMurdo Station. Photo by Melanie Newfield, MAFBNZ.

MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND 25 92 FRONTLINE NEWS

Keeping an eye out for the pine sawyer beetle Pine plantation. Photo courtesy USDA Forest Service.

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) recently completed a two-year been fumigated in China using methyl bromide. seasonal surveillance programme for the serious forestry pest Japanese To ensure no live beetles remained in pine sawyer beetle, Monochamus alternatus (longhorn beetle), following the warehouse, it was fog treated with detection of a single live adult beetle. No pine sawyer beetles were an insecticide. A residual insecticide spray was applied to the wall–floor detected by the programme. junction as an additional precautionary measure. The beetle was later identified he Japanese pine sawyer beetle Following detection, the warehouse by the MAFBNZ Plant Health and is a vector of the pinewood and reels were inspected by a MAFBNZ Environment Laboratory (PHEL) nematode (roundworm), officer. No evidence of sawyer beetle T Investigation and Diagnostic Centre Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, which activity was found in any of the (IDC) as Monochamus alternatus. causes pine wilt disease (PWD) eight reels although one of them had (Figure 1). several large holes and frass (insect To determine whether any pine sawyer beetles had escaped from This disease has destroyed large tracts debris) inside it. The eight reels were the warehouse or populations had of Asian pines and is recognised fumigated and incinerated. All reels established, MAFBNZ contracted internationally as one of the most had the International Standards for AsureQuality to conduct lure-based harmful forestry diseases in the world. Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) surveillance. The surveillance was In light of this significant threat to MB stamp, which showed they had New Zealand forestry, the Japanese sawyer beetle is classified as a Notifiable Organism under the Biosecurity Act 1993. A single live adult beetle was detected in a warehouse at Cambridge in December 2007. At the time of detection, eight wooden reels of wire rope had recently arrived from China and a further 60 wooden reels from previous consignments were also stored Figure 1: Pine sawyer beetle, pine wood nematode and dead pine tree. Photos courtesy www.animalpicturesarchive, inside the warehouse. Halik & Bergdahl and Astrid Lied respectively.

26 MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND FRONTLINE NEWS 92

“This disease has destroyed large tracts of Asian pines and is recognised internationally as one of the most harmful forestry diseases in the world.”

conducted within a 500 metre radius Global circulation of wooden vectors for the nematode, constant of the warehouse over the summer– packaging material among infested vigilance and quick responses are autumn seasons in 2008 and 2009. and non-infested countries is a major required to prevent this disease (The adult beetles travel between means by which the nematode is from establishing in New Zealand. 50 and 260 metres in their lifetime.) spread around the globe. Currently ■ Emmanuel Yamoah, Plant Response, MAFBNZ, all wood packages coming into [email protected] Results New Zealand are subjected to ISPM 15. ■ Travis Ashcroft, IDC, MAFBNZ, [email protected] Tests carried out by PHEL on Considering that other longhorn ■ Diane Jones, IDC, MAFBNZ, the solitary pine sawyer beetle beetles could act as potential [email protected] showed it was not infected with the pinewood nematode. No pine sawyer beetles were caught in either survey although other beetles known to occur in New Zealand NETS 2009 – Remarkable Changes were trapped, indicating the method was effective in attracting beetles. The results from the lab testing, the treatments applied at the warehouse and the surveillance programme, provide confidence that neither the nematode nor the pine sawyer beetle is established. It is likely that the beetle detected was a solitary individual originating from one of the eight imported wooden reels. MAFBNZ has informed key stakeholders of this detection, the This year’s New Zealand Biosecurity Bio-Protection and Ecology Division at Lincoln actions undertaken and results of Institute conference (NETS) will be held University. There will also be the opportunity the surveillance. MAFBNZ Border in Queenstown 14–16 October at the to learn about biosecurity issues from those Standards group has been informed of Rydges Hotel. at the coal face of pest management. the risks associated with the pathway The conference theme – “Remarkable The landscape of Central Otago has also of entry, in particular the effectiveness Changes” – recognises both Queenstown’s seen remarkable changes over time – some of ISPM stamped wooden items. remarkable location and the remarkable not necessarily for the better. The scheduled changes that have taken place in pest field trips for NETS 2009 will showcase Conclusions management and biosecurity over the this amazing part of the country and the PWD would pose a serious threat to past 30 years. The conference will also pressures it has had to contend with – New Zealand pine forests should it explore some of the changes we may see in from both pests and people. arrive here. Overseas records show biosecurity in the coming years. To register for NETS 2009 go to the that the pine wood nematode has not If you intend to be involved in biosecurity in New Zealand Biosecurity Institute’s only been found in packaging wood the future, you should be in Queenstown for website at www.biosecurity.org.nz imported from areas where it is known NETS 2009. to occur (United States, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Portugal), Highlights include speakers such as but also from countries considered to John Hellstrom – one of New Zealand's be free of this pest (Brazil, Thailand, forward thinkers in biosecurity, and Belgium, Netherlands, Italy and Spain). Professor Phillip Hume from the

MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND 27 92 FRONTLINE NEWS RED IMPORTED FIRE ANTS ERADICATED FROM NAPIER

Following an intensive three-year surveillance programme, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) declared the successful eradication of the Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA) from Whirinaki, north of Napier, on 22 April 2009.

ed Imported Fire Ants Native to South America, Red Imported A Controlled Area was put in place (Solenopsis invicta) are Fire Ants are capable of spreading extending out in a 2 kilometre radius Rconsidered one of the worst across wide areas and can pose a direct shortly after the Whirinaki nest was invasive insects and are the subject of threat to human health and lifestyles, as detected, restricting the movement of control and eradication activities in well as our native flora and fauna. The potential fire ant conveyors that could many parts of the world. They have ants are tiny (2–6 millimetres long), cause further spread. The Controlled been declared an Unwanted and reddish-brown in colour, are effective Area was essential from a biosecurity Notifiable Organism under foragers and they are aggressive. If point of view, but, while effective, New Zealand’s Biosecurity Act 1993. disturbed, they will sting to defend their caused extra work for businesses and RIFA have been successfully eradicated nest and surrounding area, and the locals living within the area. from New Zealand on two previous stings can be painful for both humans The three-year eradication programme occasions – from Auckland and animals. also included the following activities: International Airport in 2001 and Ports A single RIFA nest of about 30,000 • Four complete rounds of of Napier in 2004. worker ants was discovered in the surveillance involving visual grounds of the Pan Pac Forest Products inspections and the use of bait plant at Whirinaki, in June 2006 and pottles containing a mixture of was quickly destroyed. It remains peanut butter, sausage meat and unclear how the ants arrived, as Pan Pac cotton wool soaked in a sugary is primarily an exporter and most of its water solution. The aim was imports come from Europe, which is to attract any ants living in the free of fire ants. area into the pottles, which were Nest analysis has shown that dispersal collected and analysed to check for by mated flying ants could have RIFA. A minimum of four baits per occurred in either, or both, the equivalent 10 metre x 10 metre grid summers of 2004–05 and 2005–06. (100 m2) were laid out in a The flight distance of the RIFA queens 2 kilometre radius of the nest find. from their nest is thought to be up to Over 900,000 bait pottle samples 2 kilometres. were collected and checked for RIFA Survey team with data logger in action.

AsureQuality field staff involved in the 2008–09 Red Imported Fire Ant surveillance programme.

28 MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND FRONTLINE NEWS 92

A Controlled Area out to a 2 kilometre radius of the nest Red Imported Fire Ant mound detected in the grounds find was put in place shortly after the Red Imported Fire of Pan Pac Forest Products plant in Whirinaki, Napier, Red imported fire ant. Ant nest was detected in June 2006. June 2006.

over the three-year programme. the original nest find. A pitfall trap The success of the eradication Areas that could not be surveyed consists of a teflon-coated tube programme was due in no small part to on foot were aerially treated with containing 10 millilitres of ethyl the co-operation and support of Pan insecticidal ant baits. alcohol buried in the ground. The Pac Forest Products staff, local • Six rounds of aerial treatments using top of the tube is flush with the businesses and the Whirinaki insecticidal ant baits were applied to surface to trap ants that fall into it. community. Special thanks also go to areas that could not be accessed on An elevated cover protects the pitfall AsureQuality staff who carried out the foot for surveillance activities. to minimise rainfall entering the operational activities, and Flybusters • Regular monitoring of the area out trap. Antiants that provided the screening to 200 metres from the original nest • Tracing of all known risk goods in services for the eradication programme. site. and out of the Pan Pac site from the ■ Sheree Christian, Adviser, Environmental and Marine • Regular passive monitoring using time the nest was believed to have Response, MAFBNZ, [email protected] pitfall traps out to 200 metres from established.

Pest mosquito eliminated from Coromandel MAF Biosecurity New Zealand MAFBNZ Incursion Response Manager (MAFBNZ) has recently declared David Yard says the successful elimination of the mosquito in the the successful elimination of the Coromandel is something to celebrate. Southern salt marsh mosquito “MAFBNZ, and in the initial stages the (SSM) from the Coromandel Ministry of Health, have undertaken a area, ending some three years of comprehensive work programme against this aggressive mosquito. To be able to treatment and surveillance activity. declare this success is significant considering the vast areas of ideal habitat the Coromandel provides for the pest,” he Australian mosquito can be a Mr Yard says. carrier of Ross River virus, which Tcauses a severe flu-like illness in He says the co-operation of local humans, and is also a vicious day-time landowners contributed significantly to biter. the success of the programme, and MAFBNZ is grateful for their help. The insect was first detected in New Zealand in Napier in 1998 and has been Now elimination has been declared in under treatment at several locations the Coromandel, the area comes under around the country since then. It has S-methoprene insecticide granules are applied aerially the control of the Ministry of Health, as part of the Coromandel elimination programme. now been eliminated from all but one of which administers an active national surveillance programme. This these sites – Wairau, in Marlborough, undertaken since then to locally programme covers all of New Zealand to where excellent progress is being made eliminate the insect have included provide early detection of any exotic salt on its elimination. helicopter and ground treatment marsh mosquito, and will ensure that a SSM was first detected in the operations, trapping of adults and sound level of ongoing surveillance is Coromandel in May 2006. Activities sampling for juvenile life stages. carried out in the Coromandel.

MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND 29 92 FRONTLINE NEWS “DECLARE OR DISPOSE”

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) implemented a targeted advertising campaign in May to remind airline passengers of their responsibility to declare or dispose of risk goods at the border. The campaign also acknowledges those who always declare correctly.

ey audiences are non-English speaking background KNew Zealanders (particularly Asian and Pacific Island audiences), and all New Zealanders who already comply with biosecurity requirements. These two audiences were identified through passenger research (which focused on segmenting and understanding travellers’ compliance decision making), and from passenger profiling data.

Why non-English speaking background New Zealanders? These people tend to bring in high-risk items without understanding what our laws are and why they need to comply with an airport setting (one with an them, and the need to declare or inspector and detector dog, the other dispose. with a family), one focusing on our Why those who already comply? beautiful environment, the other on sport. About 96 percent of international air travellers are compliant with Where appropriate, these designs have border biosecurity requirements – been translated in to the priority that’s around 4.4 million travellers audience languages. annually. Reinforcing this compliant The key message is “Declare or Dispose. behaviour is important in order to It is New Zealand law”. maintain its high levels. ■ Kathy Dyer, Communications and Marketing Adviser, MAFBNZ, [email protected] A range of channels in ethnic and mainstream media has been chosen to reach the various priority audiences. The schedule includes magazines and Biosecurity magazine: newspapers, web banners and radio overseas posting advertisements. Supporting material will also be distributed at international Please note this is the last edition of Biosecurity magazine departure lounges and arrival areas at that will be posted to overseas addresses. (Copies will airports, and through i-sites (Visitor Information Centres). continue to be posted to New Zealand addresses.) Several designs have been developed The magazine will continue to be available to read on the based on feedback from focus groups MAFBNZ website: www.biosecurity.govt.nz/publications/ with the priority audiences, and the theme of respectful authority links biosecurity-magazine/index.htm them all. Print designs include two in

30 MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND FRONTLINE NEWS 92

DETECTOR DOGS TO BECOME STARS OF THE SMALL SCREEN

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand’s (MAFBNZ’s) detector dogs and their handlers are about to feature in a new television series based on the lives of working dogs.

he seven-episode series, to be called Dog Squad, is their handlers, the working life of the dogs and the challenges set to air next year and will also feature the work of they encounter as they go about their day-to-day business. T dogs from the New Zealand Police and the MAFBNZ is pleased with the opportunity to showcase the Department of Corrections. dogs’ work, along with the chance to highlight its border The show comes from the same production house that messaging around not bringing biosecurity risk goods to made the popular Border Patrol series. New Zealand. Cream Media Company Director Nigel Snowden says Dog Dog Squad was set to begin production this month Squad will be strong on the relationship between dogs and

Kathy Walls joined MAF Biosecurity New Zealand Laura Anderson has joined the Post Border Directorate Systems PEOPLE IN BIOSECURITY (MAFBNZ) in April as Senior Adviser with the Design Group as Systems Co-ordinator, and is responsible for Environmental and Marine Response Team in the Post maintaining the Incursion Response System (IRS) application. Border Directorate. Her background is in marine IRS is the MAFBNZ system that supports quality operational conservation and ecosystem-based management. Kathy decisiond making during responses, including visibility of worked for the Department of Conservation until 2006 surveillance,s movement control, organism management and when she took up a two-year position in Fiji as Director of tracingt operations. She is also responsible for assisting users to the Wildlife Conservation Society’s South Pacific configurec IRS effectively in a response. Laura recently moved to Programme. She has an MSc (Hons) in marine biology New Zealand from the United Kingdom, where she worked for and geography from the University of Auckland. the past 10 years in the information technology sector as a business analyst and then in technical consultancy, most recently holding responsibility for the design and Sherman Smith has recently taken up a position as a implementation of web-based employee benefit packages. Senior Adviser in the National Co-ordination Team, part of the Pest Management Group, Post Border Directorate. Felicity Campbell has recently joined the Post Border Group as In this role he will contribute to the co-ordination of pest a Team Support Officer for the Surveillance Team. She is the management across the biosecurity system. Sherman new contact person for disease freedom statements, and has a BSc in ecology and zoology from Massey University aadministers the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy and worked initially as a nature guide in Arthur’s Pass. (TSE) programme payments. Felicity has just returned from her He then spent four years in various roles with the OOE in Europe, where she worked for the United Kingdom’s Department of Conservation in Palmerston North. Most leading property and investment company as a PA to the recently, Sherman worked for five years with Environment Southland as a ccorporate communication team. Prior to leaving New Zealand, biosecurity officer (pest animals), where he was involved in a wide range of pest Felicity worked for Bayleys Real Estate, based in the Viaduct management issues, from community-led environmental restoration projects to Harbour in Auckland, and won the organisation’s Administrator of the Year prize. She also strategy reviews. spent two years working for the Auckland City Council’s Recreation and Community Events division and was involved in organising events, such as the multi-cultural festival Pasifika, and facilitating filming requests within the city.

MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND 31 92 UPDATES

UPDATES

DECLARATION OF COUNTRY FREEDOM FROM EGG POWDER IHS CONSULTATION

AVOCADO SUNBLOTCH VIROID As part of the consultative process in the development of the MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) has announced that New import health standard (IHS) for egg powders from specified Zealand is free of the Avocado Sunblotch Viroid (ASBVd). countries, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) has distributed the following draft document for public consultation and ASBVd is a disease that affects only avocados. It can be either comment: draft import health standard for shelf-stable spray symptomless or can display symptoms on the leaves, stems and dried egg powders or egg crystals from specified countries. fruit of avocado trees. ASBVd was believed to be present in New Zealand following testing undertaken during a subtropical crop This document can be viewed on the MAFBNZ website at: survey in 1998–1999. However, subsequent independent testing www.biosecurity.govt.nz/biosec/consult has failed to detect the presence of this viroid. An IHS for egg powders from specified countries has been Over the 2008–09 summer, MAFBNZ and the Avocado Industry drafted to review the mitigation measures and heat treatment Council worked together to develop a new MAF surveillance requirements for these commodities in light of the recent import standard for ASBVd, incorporating international best practice in risk analysis (IRA) for egg powders from all countries. This draft sampling and testing protocols. All sites that had tested positive IHS combines several existing IHSs for various egg powders from to ASBVd in 1998–1999 were re-surveyed using the latest DNA Canada, the United States, Australia and European Union member technology and have tested negative. countries.

A full article on the survey is scheduled to be included in the next Comments on the draft document should be forwarded to MAFBNZ edition of Biosecurity. by close of business on Friday 26 June 2009. MAFBNZ encourages respondents to forward comments by email to: [email protected] or [email protected] NOTICE OF REVOCATION OF APPROVED ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM Submissions can be posted to: Aurelie Castinel, Animal Imports, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, Ministry of Agriculture and Pursuant to section 50 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 and regulations Forestry, PO Box 2526, Wellington, New Zealand, or faxed to 8 and 9 of the Biosecurity (Animal Identification Systems) Regulations 1999, I give notice of revocation of the following +64 4 498 0662. approved animal identification system: AgriQuality Animal Identification System, also known as AgriTags, administered by AsureQuality Ltd (formally AgriQuality Ltd). IMPORTATION OF SEED FOR SOWING

This notice modifies the Notice of Approved Identification Systems MAF Biosecurity New Zealand has issued a minor amendment for Bovine Tuberculosis Control (notice number 1571) notified in to the Hordeum and Triticum schedules within the import health the New Zealand Gazette No 167, 7 December 2006. standard: 155.02.05 Importation of Seed for Sowing. This standard Dated at Wellington this 26th day of May 2009. is dated 7 May 2009. The revised import health standard is Peter Thomson available on the MAFBNZ website: www.biosecurity.govt.nz/files/ Director, Post-Border ihs/155-02-05.pdf Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Acting under delegated authority) No significant changes have been made to the import requirements for Hordeum and Triticum seeds. Amendments The operation of the AgriTags scheme ceased on 13 February 2009 to these schedules provide further clarification of the options with relevant information transferred to the Animal Health Board to support the bovine tuberculosis pest management strategy. available for importing seeds.

32 MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND DIRECTORY 92

Pest watch: 1 April 2009 – 22 May 2009 Biosecurity is about managing risks – protecting the New Zealand environment and economy from exotic pests and diseases. MAF Biosecurity New Zealand devotes much of its time to ensuring that new organism records come to its attention, to follow up as appropriate. The tables here list new organisms that have become established, new hosts for existing pests and extensions to distribution of existing pests. The information was collated between 1 April and 22 May 2009. The plant information is held in the Plant Pest Information Network (PPIN) database. Wherever possible, common names have been included.

ANIMAL KINGDOM RECORDS Validated new to New Zealand reports No new to New Zealand records during this period. Significant find reports No significant find records during this period. New host reports No new host records during this period. New distribution reports No new distribution records during this period.

■ If you have any enquiries regarding this information please email [email protected]

PLANT KINGDOM RECORDS Validated new to New Zealand reports Organism Host Location Submitted by Comments Caliphis hickmani Actinidia deliciosa Auckland IDC (export pre-clearance) (mite) (kiwifruit) Helleborus net necrosis virus Helleborus sp. Waikato IDC (general surveillance) (HeNNV) (winter rose, lenten rose) Narcissus latent virus Narcissus sp. Dunedin Literature (NLV) (narcissus) Obolodiplosis robiniae Robinia pseudoacacia Auckland Scion (gall midge) (false acacia) (high risk site surveillance) Vallota mosaic virus Nerine sp. Auckland Operational research (flower bulb survey) (ValMV) (Guernsey lily) Alstroemeria mosaic virus Alstroemeria sp. Auckland Operational research (flower bulb survey) (AlMV) (Peruvian lily) Hippeastrum mosaic virus Hippeastrum sp. Auckland Operational research (flower bulb survey) (HiMV) (hippeastrum) Hyacinth mosaic virus Hyacinthus sp. Wanganui Operational research (flower bulb survey) (HyaMV) (hyacinth) Iris mild mosaic virus (IMMV) Iris sp. cv. Wedgewood Wellington Operational research (flower bulb survey) Iris potyvirus 2 (iris) (no common name) Ornithogalum mosaic virus Iris tingitana Wellington Operational research (flower bulb survey) (OrMV) (iris) Ornithogalum potyvirus Ornithogalum sp. Wellington Operational research (flower bulb survey) (no common name) (Star of Bethlehem) Ornithogalum stripe mosaic virus Ornithogalum thyrsoides Wellington Operational research (flower bulb survey) (OrSMV) (Star of Bethlehem) Ornithogalum necrotic mosaic virus (OrNMV) Lachenalia sp. Wanganui Operational research (flower bulb survey) Veltheimia mosaic virus (lachenalia) (VeMV) Tulip mosaic virus Tulipa sp. Wanganui Operational research (flower bulb survey) (TulMV) (tulip) Zantedeschia mild mosaic virus Zantedeschia sp. Wellington Operational research (flower bulb survey) (ZeMMV) (calla lily) Freesia leaf necrosis virus Freesia sp. Auckland Operational research (flower bulb survey) (FLNV) (freesia)

MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND 33 92 DIRECTORY

Significant find reports Organism Host Location Submitted by Comments No significant find records during this period. New host reports Organism Host Location Submitted by Comments Aphelenchoides ritzemabosi Symphytum sp. Auckland IDC (general surveillance) (chrysanthemum foliar nematode) (ornamental comfrey) Capsicum frutescens Auckland IDC (general surveillance) Bactericera cockerelli (cayenne pepper) (tomato/potato psyllid) Physalis peruviana Hawkes Bay IDC (general surveillance) (cape gooseberry) Bedellia psamminella Muehlenbeckia australis Wellington Scion (other indigenous) (insect: moth, no common name) (pohuehue) Bionectria ochroleuca (fungus: no common name) Cylindrocladium pacificum Michelia yunnanensis Northland IDC (general surveillance) (fungus: no common name) (no common name) Phytophthora cinnamomi (phytophthora root rot) Botryosphaeria parva Tilia europaea Wellington Scion (botryosphaeria rot) (European linden) (high risk site surveillance) Botryosphaeria stevensii Fraxinus angustifolia Auckland Scion (diplodia rot) (narrow-leaved ash) (high risk site surveillance) Pinus patula Calliprason pallidus (Patula pine) Auckland Scion (pallid longhorn beetle) Agathis microstachya (high risk site surveillance) (bull kauri) Candidatus Phytoplasma australiense Solanum tuberosum cv. Waikato IDC (Liberibacter) (Coprosma lethal decline) Russet Ranger (potato) Cardiaspina fiscella (brown lace lerp) Eucalyptus propinqua Wanganui Scion Trachymela sloanei (eucalypt) (high risk site surveillance) (small eucalyptus tortoise beetle) Lily symptomless virus (LSV) Lilium regale Mid-Canterbury IDC (general surveillance) Tulip virus X (Christmas lily) (TVX) Ceroplastes sinensis Teucrium fruticans Auckland Scion (Chinese wax scale) (tree germander) (high risk site surveillance) Essigella californica Pinus coulteri North Canterbury Scion (exotic forest survey) (Monterey pine aphid) (Coulter pine) Glomerella acutata Asparagus officinalis Auckland IDC (general surveillance) (anthracnose) (asparagus) Glyptotermes brevicornis Fraxinus sp. Auckland Scion (dry wood termite) (ash) (high risk site surveillance) Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis Ugni molinae Auckland IDC (general surveillance) (greenhouse thrips) (strawberry myrtle) Lepidosaphes ulmi Crataegus monogyna Wellington Scion (apple mussel scale) (hawthorn) (high risk site surveillance) Monteithiella humeralis Pittosporum ralphii Wellington Scion (insect: bug, no common name) (karo) (high risk site surveillance) Parasaissetia nigra Polygala sp. Auckland Scion (nigra scale) (milkwort) (high risk site surveillance) Macadamia tetraphylla Parlatoria fulleri (macadamia) Auckland Scion (scale) Tristaniopsis laurina (high risk site surveillance) (water gum) Syzygium paniculatum Auckland Scion Oemona hirta (brush cherry) (high risk site surveillance) (lemon tree borer) Chaenomeles sp. Wellington Scion (flowering quince) (high risk site surveillance)

34 MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND DIRECTORY 92

Organism Host Location Submitted by Comments Ceratopetalum gummiferum Bay of Plenty Scion Parlatoria fulleri (Christmas bush) (high risk site surveillance) (scale) Macadamia tetraphylla Auckland Scion (macadamia) (high risk site surveillance) Phloeophagosoma thoracicum Araucaria heterophylla Auckland Scion (cossonid weevil) (Norfolk Island pine) (high risk site surveillance) Phloeophagosoma thoracicum Ulmus x hollandica Auckland Scion (cossonid weevil) (elm) (high risk site surveillance) Phytophthora citricola Fagus sp. Southland IDC (general surveillance) (phytophthora rot) (beech) Porotermes adamsoni Salix sp. Auckland IDC (general surveillance) (termite) (willow) Ornithogalum mosaic virus Iris sp. cv. Wellington Operational research (flower bulb survey) (OrMV) Wedgewood (iris) Ornithogalum mosaic virus Ornithogalum thyrsoides Wellington Operational research (flower bulb survey) (OrMV) (Star of Bethlehem) Pseudaulacaspis eugeniae Corymbia calophylla Auckland Scion (white palm scale) (Port Gregory gum) (high risk site surveillance) Pseudococcus longispinus (longtailed mealybug) Lophostemon confertus Auckland Scion Parlatoria fulleri (brush box) (high risk site surveillance) (scale) Tyrophagus curvipenis Persea americana Bay of Plenty IDC (export pre-clearance) (mite) (avocado) Uraba lugens Prunus domestica Auckland IDC (general surveillance) (gum leaf skeletoniser) (European plum) Uresiphita polygonalis maorialis Sophora howinsula Wellington Scion (kowhai moth) (kowhai) (high risk site surveillance) Uromyces pisi Teline monspessulana Wellington Scion (indigenous survey) (fungus: no common name) (Montpellier broom) Xylotoles sp. (longhorn beetles) Foeniculum vulgare Wellington Scion Sericotrogus subaenescens (fennel) (high risk site surveillance) (beetle: no common name)

New distribution reports Organism Host Location Submitted by Comments Cyphomandra betacea Bay of Plenty IDC (Liberibacter) Bactericera cockerelli (tamarillo) (tomato/potato psyllid) Solanum tuberosum cv. Rua Taranaki IDC (general surveillance) (potato) Balanococcus danthoniae Actinidia deliciosa Waikato IDC (export pre-clearance) (mealybug) (kiwifruit) Botryosphaeria parva Tilia europaea Wellington Scion (botryosphaeria rot) (European linden) (high risk site surveillance) Lily symptomless virus (LSV) Lilium regale Mid-Canterbury IDC (general surveillance) Tulip virus X (Christmas lily) (TVX) Cosmospora sp. aff. purtonii Myrsine australis Wellington Scion (indigenous survey) (fungus: no common name) (mapou) Cylindrocladium pacificum Michelia yunnanensis Northland IDC (general surveillance) (fungus: no common name) (no common name) Dialectica scalariella Echium candicans Wanganui Scion (echium leaf miner) (Pride of Madeira) (high risk site surveillance) Hysterographium fraxini Fraxinus angustifolia Wanganui Scion (fungus: no common name) (narrow-leaved ash) (high risk site surveillance) Phytophthora citricola Fagus sp. Southland IDC (general surveillance) (phytophthora rot) (beech) Septoria fuchsiicola Fuchsia excorticata Wellington Scion (fungus: no common name) (tree fuchsia) Gisborne (high risk site surveillance)

■ If you have any enquiries regarding this information please contact [email protected]

MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND 35 MAF general enquiries: 0800 00 83 33 Exotic disease and pest emergency hotline: 0800 80 99 66 www.biosecurity.govt.nz