Invasion
Invasion Description
1st Record: North Island, New Zealand/Whangamata Harbor (2001, Kott 2002)
Geographic Extent
North Island, New Zealand/Whangamata Harbor (2001, Kott 2002); Picton, South Island/New Zealand/Shakespeare Harbor, Cook Strait, on barge "Steel Mariner" (2001, Kott 2002; Coutts and Forrest 2007); Arapawa Island, South Island/New Zealand/Otanerau Bay, , Queen Charlotte Sound, of the Marlborough Sounds region (2006, USGS Woods Hole Science Center 2008, 41 deg 10.23 min S lat, 174 deg 19.19 min E lon).
Vectors
| Level | Vector |
|---|---|
| Probable | Hull Fouling |
Regional Impacts
| Economic Impact | Fisheries | |
| Didemnum vexillum is considered a major threat to New Zealand's mussel industry (Coutts and Forrest 2007). It was also found overgrowing salmon aquaculture cages (USGS Woods Hole Science Center 2008). As much as $650,000 NZ dollars were spent on an unsuccessful eradication attempt (Coutts and Forrest 2007). | ||
| Economic Impact | Shipping/Boating | |
| Didemnum vexillum is considered a serious fouling pest to recreational boating and commerical shipping. In New Zealand, attempts at eradicating and preventing the spread of Didemnum vexillum required costly cleaning of boats, pilngs, floats, etc.(Coutts and Forrest 2007). | ||