5 December 2005

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

The port and marina structures there were examined on Thursday and Friday last week.

Biosecurity New Zealand says that while the non-detection is positive news, it has to be understood that the marine environment is vast and the agency can only target the areas in each location that the sea squirt is thought to be most likely to be present in.

There is one further location left to inspect – Whakatane was surveyed last week but water visibility was too poor to make an effective examination. Whakatane will be re-checked this Thursday 8 December.

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

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

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

For further information, please contact: Lesley Patston Senior Communications Adviser Ph. 027 2051418