Latest news with #EnvironmentSouthland
Otago Daily Times
16-07-2025
- Science
- Otago Daily Times
Marine pest found in harbour
Pest species Mediterranean fanworm has been spotted in Bluff Harbour. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Environment Southland is investigating the discovery of a possible single Mediterranean fanworm () in Bluff Harbour during routine surveillance earlier this month. The worm, which was 59cm long, was found under the town wharf at a depth of 5m. The specimen was collected and sent for formal identification. Environment Southland integrated catchment management acting general manager David Adamson said while no further specimens were detected during follow-up dives, the wharf's extensive structure meant further surveillance was required to determine the extent of the spread. "We're unclear if the marine pest is more widespread in Bluff waters, so we're planning further surveys to confirm its spread as a part of response planning." Divers experienced in identifying Mediterranean fanworm will be brought in from outside the region. Environment Southland is receiving support from Biosecurity New Zealand. The Mediterranean fanworm is a segmented marine worm that forms dense colonies, displacing native species and threatening fisheries. It attaches to solid structures such as wharf pilings and aquaculture equipment, potentially increasing harvesting and fuel costs. It competes with mussels and oysters for food, affecting their growth and viability. The worm has a long, leathery tube that is pale brown with a muddy appearance and extends a spiral fan of yellow-orange filaments to collect food such as plankton. Environment Southland was asking the public and marine industry to keep an eye out and report any suspected sightings. — APL
Otago Daily Times
16-07-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Invasive fanworm found in Bluff Harbour
A Mediterranean fanworm. Photo: Supplied / Environment Southland An invasive species of aquatic worm has been found in Bluff Harbour, and the Southland Regional Council is trying to determine if it has spread. The worm - believed to be a Mediterranean fanworm - was found under the town's wharf during routine surveillance earlier this month. The 59cm specimen was found at a depth of 5m. Environment Southland spokesperson David Adamson said an established colony could displace native species and threaten fisheries. "We're unclear if the marine pest is more widespread in Bluff waters, so we're planning further surveys to confirm its spread as a part of response planning." Adamson has asked the public to report any suspected sightings. Mediterranean fanworm is a segmented marine worm that forms dense colonies, and attaches to solid structures such as wharf pilings and aquaculture equipment. It has a long, leathery tube that is pale brown with a muddy appearance and extends a spiral fan of yellow-orange filaments to collect food. "Our goal at the moment is to establish whether it is Mediterranean fanworm and if it has spread," Adamson said. "We want the public to continue to be vigilant and report sightings, as well as ensure their gear and hulls are clean. "We also need to know if this pest is elsewhere in Southland."
RNZ News
16-07-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Invasive worm species found under Bluff wharf
A Mediterranean fanworm. Photo: Supplied / Environment Southland An invasive species of aquatic worm has been found in Bluff Harbour, and the Southland Regional Council is trying to determine if it has spread. The worm - believed to be a Mediterranean fanworm - was found under the town's wharf during routine surveillance earlier this month. The 59-centimetre specimen was found at a depth of five metres. The Mediterranean fanworm. Photo: Supplied / Environment Southland Environment Southland spokesperson David Adamson said an established colony could displace native species and threaten fisheries. "We're unclear if the marine pest is more widespread in Bluff waters, so we're planning further surveys to confirm its spread as a part of response planning." Adamson has asked the public to report any suspected sightings. Mediterranean fanworm is a segmented marine worm that forms dense colonies, and attaches to solid structures such as wharf pilings and aquaculture equipment. It has a long, leathery tube that is pale brown with a muddy appearance and extends a spiral fan of yellow-orange filaments to collect food. "Our goal at the moment is to establish whether it is Mediterranean fanworm and if it has spread," Adamson said. "We want the public to continue to be vigilant and report sightings, as well as ensure their gear and hulls are clean. "We also need to know if this pest is elsewhere in Southland." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Otago Daily Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Voice for primary industries, rural communities for nearly 60 years
A Gore-born farmer, lobbyist and ex-politician was surprised to win an award recently after only putting forward a nomination in the hope it would raise his profile. At the Primary Industries New Zealand Awards in Christchurch last month, Eric Roy won the outstanding contribution to primary industries award. As chairman of NZ Pork, a councillor for Environment Southland and on various advisory panels, Mr Roy said he thought it might be a good idea for his profile to put his hat in the ring. It still came as a surprise however, when he realised, he might be winning on the night. "I was sitting there ... and I thought, why are five of my senior staff and three of my fellow directors here at our table?" "I need to cobble a few thoughts together." When The Ensign spoke to him a week later he had already had a productive morning, helping his farm manager in Te Anau. Past retirement age, the six-term MP shows no signs of slowing down. "I can't help myself," he said. "People say, when are you going to retire? And I say, when I'm old, I'm only 77." The awards judging panel said Mr Roy was a voice for primary industries and rural communities, for nearly 60 years. When asked what problems were facing farmers and rural communities today, politically and financially, he listed three things. In no particular order, he cited the dwindling numbers of farmers, the politics of the environment and the controversy of genetic modification as key problems. The succession model of owners handing down their farms to their children, as his had done, was no longer working. "Some figures that were given at the Primary Industry Conference were like about 40% of current farmers are over 65," he said. "I can't remember the exact figure, but it was just saying hang on, we need to recruit some more people into the industry." He also said climate change had become a "non-tariff barrier against farmers". He said countries in Europe had set the standards for climate action in a way that was tilted against countries like New Zealand. His final point was that it was needed next to decide what was happening with genetic engineering, as it was used freely for such things as medical research and the production of insulin for diabetics. Yet genetic engineering was frowned upon when it came to enhancing farming in areas like pest-control, creating drought-resistant grasses and products that reduced methane gas in ruminant animals, he said. "There's a very noisy group of people saying we can't do this in agriculture." He said as chairman of NZ Pork it had been trying to get a new welfare code for four "torturous" years. With new space and farrowing rules, he hoped to have the new code finalised in a couple of months. That was why he was happy to be nominated for the outstanding contribution award, to give him more credibility when ringing up a government minister or presenting submissions on these issues. "That was probably the driver."
RNZ News
08-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Proposed reorganisation of Southland's councils being investigated
Southland District Mayor Rob Scott last year proposed two authorities for the region . Photo: Matthew Rosenberg/LDR The Local Government Commission is investigating the reorganisation of councils in the Southland region. Southland District Mayor Rob Scott last year proposed two authorities for the region - one rural-based and one for Invercargill city. The commission consulted with Gore District Council, Invercargill City Council, Southland District Council and Environment Southland, before deciding on the investigation. It also engaged with Te Ao Mārama Incorporated, on behalf of Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku. The commission said Southland District's initiative meets the aims of the Local Government Act, including improved local decision-making and better service delivery. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
