Vessel clearance and biofouling resources

A fact sheet detailing the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys) which is an agricultural pest found in Asia and more recently the US. The most likely method of entry into New Zealand is sea containers.

A fact sheet detailing the biosecurity clearance procedures for yachts and pleasure craft newcomers to New Zealand, including the ports of arrival and necessary documentation.

Exotic pests could affect human health and seriously harm New Zealand’s economy and unique environment.Hitchhikers are insects and animals that arrive on vessels – sometimes in small numbers undetected and sometimes in swarms. Some common hitchhiking pests found on ships and yachts at New Zealand ports are ants, termites, beetles, mosquitoes, wasps and bees. You could unknowingly be carrying a variety of pests on board.

This fact sheet outlines how exotic pests can be transported to New Zealand via vessels, affecting human health and harming New Zealand’s economy and unique environment. Many insect pests can fly, meaning that they do not have to be physically transferred from a vessel to the land to establish a population.

updated 5 July 2017

This fact sheet outlines new biosecurity requirements for all incoming vessels: vessels will be required to have a clean hull when arriving to New Zealand.

This guidance document has been issued to accompany the MPI Standard, Craft Risk Management Standard (CRMS) for Biofouling. It is not a legally binding document and it should be read in conjunction with the CRMS to ensure that all matters relating to meeting the requirements are fully understood.

This guidance document provides best practice guidance and recommendations to owners, operators and persons in charge of craft developing Craft Risk Management Plans. It has been issued to accompany the following Ministry for Primary Industries

New rules require vessel owners to manage biofouling prior to arriving in New Zealand.

You have a role in protecting New Zealand's unique marine environment - don't spread damaging marine pests in biofouling.