Divers on the hunt for invasive fanworm

Mediterranean fanworm. Picture by Liam Clayton

Divers from Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s biosecurity team are looking for invasive species in the inner harbour at Eastland Port this week.

The project is part of the Mediterranean fanworm eradication work in collaboration with Biosecurity NZ.

Gisborne District Council’s biosecurity team leader Phillip Karaitiana emphasised the importance of diver safety.

“We’d really appreciate boat owners giving the divers plenty of space to carry out their essential work. Keep an eye out for the white dive flag, which indicates that our scuba divers are working. Boaties must keep a minimum of 200 metres distance or under a five knots speed limit,” Mr Karaitiana said.

The divers will be primarily focusing on locating and removing any Mediterranean fanworm, a persistent threat to the local ecosystem.

“‘Additionally, the team will remain vigilant for any signs of new invasive species, including caulerpa, which has been making its way around northern New Zealand.

“Adverse weather conditions and the aftermath of cyclones forced us to delay our annual dive works initially slated for 2023.”

This will be the first dive for invasive species in the port since October 2022.

“It’s scheduled for three days from today to Thursday, contingent on weather conditions.”