A number of species have been declared nationally as Unwanted Organisms. For the most up-to-date list of Unwanted Organisms, visit the MPI website.
Unwanted Organism status means that it is prohibited from sale, propagation and distribution in accordance with sections 52 and 53 of the Biosecurity Act. Freshwater gold clam is not a pest to be managed under our Pest Plan, however, unwanted organisms may be controlled in other ways in accordance with our Biosecurity Strategy.
Asian paddle crabs have a 12 cm shell, paddle-like hind legs, and spines on their claws and shell, with colours ranging from pale-green to chestnut-brown; they inhabit estuaries and coastal zones.
Styela clava, or clubbed tunicate, is a long, club-shaped marine animal that can grow up to 160 mm, featuring a knobbly surface, two siphons on top, and is typically found attached to various structures in shallow waters.
Management: Unwanted Organism | Didymo is a thick pinkish-brown layer that covers rocks and plants in freshwater, often forming flowing 'rat tails' with white-cream ends that look like soggy toilet paper, and feels like wet cotton wool.
Exotic Caulerpa has green, oar blade-shaped fronds up to 10 cm long, growing from horizontal stems that form dense mats on the seafloor.
Management: Unwanted Organism
Management: Unwanted Organism
The Mediterranean fanworm is a tube-dwelling worm with a leathery appearance, growing up to 80 cm and featuring a large spiral of colourful feeding tentacles.
Management: Unwanted Organism
Yellow Flag Iris Y is poisonous to humans and animals. It grows up to 1.5 meters tall, with broad, flat, sword-shaped leaves, and bright yellow flowers.
Management: Unwanted Organism | Undaria is an invasive seaweed that grows 1 to 2 meters long. It has a crinkly texture and comes in brown, green, and yellow colours, with a noticeable midrib and a spiral structure at the base.
For the most up-to-date list of Unwanted Organisms, visit the MPI website. for the Official New Zealand Pest Register (ONZPR).
The Regional Pest Management Plan (Pest Plan) sets out the framework for how pest plants and animals specified in the plan will be managed in Otago over the next 10 years.
This Strategy sets out ORC’s broader role in biosecurity, and a number of important actions and projects to better manage pests and harmful organisms.