Our coastal team can now tackle new areas of  Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour for surveying and marine pest control , thanks to Kiwi tech company Boxfish Robotics and Earth Sciences NZ (formerly NIWA).

Every year, we undertake biosecurity surveillance at four ports and harbours across  Waitaha Canterbury, searching for invasive marine species that can damage Aotearoa New Zealand’s marine biodiversity.

One of the biggest threats?  Sabella spallanzanii, better known as Mediterranean fanworm.

Taking on Sabella

The inner harbour of Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour is a hot spot for unwanted organisms like Sabella. This pest can damage boats and smother native species, disrupting ecosystems and marine industries.

We are currently working to contain Sabella within the inner harbour and reduce populations, with removal efforts up to four times a year in collaboration with Lyttelton Port Company and Biosecurity New Zealand. High-risk areas include Te Ana Marina, Cashin Quay, and Magazine Bay Marina.

Kiwi robotics boosts marine pest control efforts