Code Of Practice For Reducing The Risk Of Sea Squirt

The New Zealand Aquaculture Council has released the marine farming industry's code of practice aimed at reducing the risk of spreading the clubbed tunicate or sea squirt (styela clava).

The voluntary code, the first of its kind in relation to sea squirt, is for industry participants to use best practice to avoid the risk of spreading sea squirt. Industry stakeholder groups including the New Zealand Mussel Industry Council, the Oyster Industry Association and the New Zealand Salmon Farmers Association have adopted the code. Regional marine farming organisations in the Marlborough Sounds, Golden Bay and Coromandel have also provided support.

The code sets guidelines for the movement of vessels from affected areas to areas that are clear of the pest, and the treatment and cleaning of farming equipment in affected areas.

Sea squirt was detected in New Zealand in August 2005 and has been declared an unwanted organism by Biosecurity New Zealand.

New Zealand Aquaculture Council chairman and oyster farmer Callum McCallum said that the code accepted that some areas of coastline were affected by styela clava. “We are working hard to assist Biosecurity New Zealand to respond to the ongoing serious threat from styela. We believe the code is a positive and helpful step by our industry to minimise the risk of spreading styela.”

Sealord CEO Doug McKay in October described the destructive potential of sea squirt as being aquaculture's equivalent of foot and mouth disease and that all measures possible should be taken to stop its spread.

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Tiakina ngā rawa hi ika, a tātou kaimoana mo ngā uri whakaheke
Protecting Māori fisheries assets for future generations

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