16 November 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 Tarakohe, Golden Bay.

Work continues this week checking further locations around New Zealand.

Locations scheduled to be surveyed are:

• Wellington: Wednesday 16 November (today)
• Dunedin Ports –Wednesday 16 November (today)
• Napier: Thursday 17/Friday 18 November
• Opua (Northland) - end of this week (date yet to be confirmed)
• Tutukaka (this weekend – 19/20 November)

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

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

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

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

For further information, including setting up photo opportunities at surveillance locations, please contact: Lesley Patston Senior Communications Advise Ph. 027 2051418