Hulluva job, checking for marine pests

• Published date: 28 September 2021
• Publication title: Northland Age, The

Northland Regional Council’s biosecurity and biodiversity working party chairman Jack Craw said the 2021-22 hull inspection programme would kick off in the Bay of Islands shortly.

This season will represent the third year in a row for Northland-based dive contractors Marine Environmental Field Services, who have been responsible for the surveys in previous years.

Councillor Craw said authorities were keen to ensure vessels were free of marine pests before they started travelling to new areas with the onset of the warmer weather.

“With COVID-19 once again likely to force a rethink on holiday plans for many, we’re expecting higher numbers of vessels to be holidaying in Northland over the approaching summer,” Craw said.

“Our crucial message is therefore around ensuring vessel hulls are clean before they...