How to manage the risks of pests spread by recreational boating was the focus of the annual Top of the South Marine Biosecurity Partnership meeting held on 27 May 2016 in Nelson.
Marina and port managers, scientists, DOC, MPI and councils shared information on trends and risks and discussed how best to reduce the threat. Highlights were the Fiordland clean vessel pass and pathway plan, Northland initiatives to create a comprehensive response and the report on the Top of the South Summer Survey. Together these regions are surveying thousands of vessels and acting on any threats discovered.
An incident simulation exercise was held to test the new Incident Response Plan for high risk vectors and new invasions. Procedures were found to be sound and the Top of the South is well prepared for the next incident.
