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Recreational fisherman and boat owner John Hogan knows how important it is to run a clean ship.

The Hawke’s Bay boatie washes his vessel after every outing to ensure he gets rid of salt and any marine pests.

“When we bring the boat in we hose it down, then it’s hosed down with an attachment containing Salt-Away (a water-based, non-hazardous, biodegradable solution that dissolves, releases and removes salt crystals) It’s them brushed down and hosed off again,” Hogan said.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council senior biosecurity advisor Alice McNatty says a clean anchor and hull are essential to stop marine pests in their tracks.

“Marine pests often hitch a ride on boat hulls and anchors, so cleaning your vessel before leaving or entering Hawke’s Bay waters is one of the easiest ways to reduce this risk. We also recommend hauling your boat out before the height of summer for a thorough cleaning,” McNatty said.

“Marine pests are a growing threat to our local ecosystems, spreading quickly and outcompeting native marine life, damaging habitats, and disrupting the marine environment we all enjoy.

“Hawke’s Bay is at risk from many marine pests, including Caulerpa, Mediterranean fanworm and Clubbed tunicate. These pests can negatively impact our marine environment, and once established, are extremely difficult to eradicate. Preventing their spread is our first line of defence, and it’s crucial.”

Hogan says not only does washing your boat thoroughly get rid of any pests it also ensures the trailers don’t rust out.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is urging boaties to ensure their boats are clean before entering the water. Photo / Warren Buckland

“I’ve been fishing out of Clifton and Napier for 15 years. My boat is fibreglass so cleaning it is important.”

He is a member of the Clifton Marine Club and says so far the season has been a good one.

“There are plenty of fish about. Last Friday we were out for two hours and had caught our quota.

“Fifteen years ago there were more gurnard than snapper but these days with the warmer water snapper are coming down from the north and the opposite applies,” he said.

Clean your gear

Checking, cleaning and drying gear and equipment while in Hawke’s Bay waterways is also important to stop the spread of freshwater pests.

Regional Council team leader biosecurity Matt Short says there are several freshwater pests of particular concern, including Corbicula species – exotic freshwater clams.

“Some aquatic pest species are already present in New Zealand and within our region, but many of our lakes and rivers remain pest-free. Corbicula has been found in the Waikato, and legal controls have been implemented to prevent its spread. However, it can still be dispersed on people’s gear and equipment to other regions.”