Divers fail to find any more fanworms

Waikato University Coastal Research Station technicians Dave Culliford (left) and Rex Fairweather search the shoreline near Devonport Rd for the Mediterranean fanworm. Photo / Andrew Warner

Divers have not found any further sign of an invasive pest in Pilot Bay despite an extensive search.

Ten divers from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Waikato University and Bay of Plenty Regional Council began searching last week to see if the Mediterranean fanworm had spread.

The Ministry for Primary Industries late last month confirmed that a fanworm had been found. A Waikato University diver discovered the fanworm growing on a rock near the bathing sheds at Pilot Bay on September 13.

The pest was almost impossible to eradicate once established. However, divers have yet to identify any other specimens in the area.

Regional council biosecurity officer Hamish Lass said the search would continue for another 13 days.

Waikato University marine ecologist Phil Ross said the fanworm would compete with native plants and animals for food and space if it got established. The pest may have made its way into Tauranga Harbour on the hull of a boat.