How to report marine pests

Would you know the difference between a native New Zealand starfish and a formidable invader? And if you saw one, what would you do?

It can be very easy to mistake friendly natives for pests - for example, our native starfish can look quite similar to the Northern Pacific sea star - but their roles in the ocean are vastly different.

Native sea stars are considered keystone species. They feed on a variety of organisms including mussels, oysters and clams, and keep the populations in check, ensuring a balanced environment, and fostering a more diverse and resilient marine community.

In contrast, the Northern Pacific sea star is described by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) as 'an eating machine'. Growing from around 24cm up to 50cm in diameter, these huge starfish devour everything in their path, creating the potential to decimate our native biodiversity. While the species hasn't been detected in New Zealand yet, it has established itself in Tasmania and Victoria.

If you see something that looks like it could be a Northern Pacific sea star, take a photo or collect a sample, record the location and report it urgently to MPI 0800 809966, or via the Biosecurity New Zealand online notification form.