Invasive sea squirt spreads to Coromandel

The invasive sea squirt has spread to the Coromandel, according to Biosecurity New Zealand.

A mussel farm operator discovered what he suspected was the organism during a harvest in the Wilsons Bay area, 34km north of Thames, and reported his fears.

A sample from the farm has been confirmed as positive.

The clubbed tunicate, more commonly known as sea squirt, is a fouling organism that grows on marine structures, including aquaculture equipment.

There are no known human health issues around consuming shellfish that have been associated with it.

Sea squirt has so far been found throughout the Hauraki Gulf, on shellfish farms on Waiheke Island, at Kaiaua in the Firth of Thames, and in Lyttelton.

Biosecurity New Zealand said today it was continuing to check potentially high-risk locations for the organism. It also wants boaties to ensure their boat hulls are clean and free of fouling.

Anyone who suspects they have found sea squirt is asked to report the matter on 0800 80 99 66.

- NZPA