KEY POINTS:
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand has found a new marine pest, the Mediterranean fanworm, on a vessel in Lyttelton.
MAF said the pest was found as part of its routine targeted surveillance programme.
Undertaken at ports and marinas where vessels enter New Zealand, the programme was designed to detect introduced pests early, to allow a greater chance of eradication or management.
Response manager, senior marine advisor Dr Peter Stratford said the fanworm was one of the species MAFBNZ looked out for, due to its potential to spread and impact on other marine species.
The fanworm posed no risk to human health.
Dr Stratford said the detection of a single mature individual fanworm was the first report of the species in New Zealand.
"At this point in time, it is too early to know the scale of what we are dealing with in Lyttelton, and indeed the course of action to be taken," he said.
"At the time the sample was taken, visibility was low in the harbour and the divers undertaking the work were not able to gain a clear picture of the spread of any species present.
"The next step for us is to establish how widespread the fanworm is, and determine any potential impacts on New Zealand's marine environment."
- NZPA
