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Protecting our environment
Biosecurity – Marine Pests
The Bay of Islands is a pristine marine environment and we are active in managing the potential threat of harmful marine pests establishing themselves in the area.
One of the major non indigenous threats to the Bay at present is from Mediterranean Fanworm. This is currently well established in the greater Auckland Harbour and in parts of the Whangarei Harbour and Marsden Cove.
To manage this risk, the skipper of any vessel wanting to use any marina in New Zealand’s Far North has to prove before it arrives that the vessel is free of the pest.
As a result, in order to obtain a berth at any marina in our region a vessel will either need to have been antifouled within the previous six months or to have had its hull completely power-washed within the previous month.
Northland has specific rules for managing the spread of invasive marine species.
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​Ministry of Primary Industries
– biofouling management requirements
Marine pests and diseases introduced to New Zealand on vessel hulls (biofouling) are a threat to our marine environment and resources. From May 2018, all commercial and recreational vessels arriving in New Zealand will need to have a clean hull. Find out about the new biofouling requirements.
Marine Protected Areas​
When you’re out on the water, being familiar with local protection zones helps safeguard our marine environment. Northland Regional Council have a simple guide to understanding and respecting these two key marine protected areas in Northland:
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From Maunganui Bay (Deep Water Cove) to Opourua (Oke) Bay in the Bay of Islands.
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Around the Mimiwhangata peninsula.
These areas, managed in partnership between Northland Regional Council and local hapū, are vital to restoring ecosystems damaged by overfishing.
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Fishing isn’t the only threat to these sensitive areas. Invasive marine pests, such as exotic caulerpa, could cause serious ecological damage if they become established in our marine protected areas. You can help to protect against marine pests by checking your hull, anchor and other gear are clean and clear of pests before you move from one area to another, and by ensuring you know and
respect biosecurity rules.
Find out more about the marine protected areas, including boundary coordinates and how to report a breach of the rules, at -
