By ANNE BESTON
The Ministry of Fisheries says it will act against an alien marine invader if someone can tell it what to do.
Scallop fishermen in the Coromandel Peninsula have accused the ministry of failing to take action against the tube worm, which they say is ruining the fishery.
The 6cm worm builds papery tubes that join together to form a continuous mat over the seabed, usually in depths of 30 to 40m.
Auckland University senior marine biologist Dr Bob Creese says other marine life is being suffocated by the worm and it is spreading rapidly throughout the Hauraki Gulf.
Ministry policy analyst Graeme McGregor said staff had met scallop fishers and scientists to discuss the tube worm but so far there were more questions than answers.
"It's not fair to say we are not doing anything. Obviously we are looking at what sort of research to fund," he said.
"We are extremely concerned but we have to ask the question: what do they expect us to do about it?"
Dr Creese wants money to investigate the worm, including finding out which species it is. Scientists also do not know how far or fast it is spreading but it has been found from Houhora in Northland to Tauranga and the Whangaparaoa Peninsula. It is thought to be well-established in Waitemata Harbour, particularly through the shipping lanes.
Dr Creese believes the worm is probably an alien species that is thriving at the expense of indigenous marine life, including scallops.
But Mr McGregor said it had not been proved whether the worm was a new species or had been in New Zealand waters all along.
"The fact is, it's complex, and even if we did throw money at the problem I am not sure how we can manage it."
Ministry lost for battle plan against sea worm
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