NIWA conducts surveillance to monitor and remove marine pests in Lyttelton twice a year on behalf of Biosecurity New Zealand (Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

The National Marine High-Risk Site Surveillance (NMHRSS) is undertaken every six months in twelve of New Zealand’s busiest international shipping ports and marinas, where the risk of introduction of invasive marine organisms is greatest.

The NMHRSS surveys are designed to detect nine target species threatening our native biodiversity and marine industries, as well as a range of non-target marine organisms that may be either new to our waters or are already established in New Zealand and spreading further.

The survey samples 243 sites within Lyttelton Harbour, with a focus on the inner harbour. They use sampling methods including diving, benthic sled samples, crab traps, and shore searches.

This survey programme has been running for over 20 years and provides an important frontline service in New Zealand’s wider marine biosecurity net.

The underwater images are of two target species for Whakaraupō, the Mediterranean fanworm (Sabella spallanzanii) and Club tunicate (Styela clava) taken during this week’s survey.