January 11, 2007

New Zealand industry on alert after sea squirt found at salmon farm

The aquaculture industry in New Zealand is on alert after an invasive sea squirt was found at a salmon farm owned by Nelson-based company New Zealand King Salmon.

The marine pest Didemnum vexillum was found at the company's Te Pangu Bay farm in Marlborough Sounds just before Christmas and plans are being made to treat the site.

The sea squirt, which can cause serious damage to the marine environment, has been found at various sites in the Marlborough Sounds.

New Zealand King Salmon Company chief executive Paul Steere said the sea squirts growth at the Te Pangu salmon farm was not extensive but the company had previously cleaned the farm structures and made efforts to prevent it taking hold there.