Photo: WikipediaNew rules that place an emphasis on boaties keeping their vessels and gear clean could come into force as environmental authorities step up the fight against a pest seaweed in Fiordland's Breaksea Sound. The recommendation was prompted by the discovery of a further spread of Undaria pinnatifida in the sound. The regional council, Biosecurity New Zealand, Department of Conservation and Fiordland Marine Guardians were devising a management plan for the pest. Undaria is an invasive Asian seaweed first discovered in New Zealand waters in 1987. Submissions, including staff responses, on the proposal for a Southland regional pest management plan were heard by the hearing panel in the past months.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 21, 2019 15:22 UTC