Biosecurity awareness of ferry passengers travelling to islands in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand.

Abstract

Protection of the islands of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, particularly those that are ‘Pest Free’, from the impacts of invasive organisms is vital for the ongoing management of New Zealand native species. It is well known that the rate and extent of spread of invasive species have primarily been due to human-mediated transport, be this intentional or unintentional. Due to the high residential/commercial/visitor attraction of these islands, there is significant opportunity for the transport of invasive species via private or commercial sea and air craft. This project aims to increase and celebrate passenger awareness of biosecurity risk, increase the understanding of the types of materials transported on ferries and identify some of the commercial sources of these products. Passengers travelling on ferries to primarily Great Barrier and Rakino islands were engaged in conversation to gain an indication of the level of biosecurity awareness of passengers. The results will assist Auckland Council in the strategic management of risk pathways to the islands of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.