On 15 May New Zealand will become the first country in the world to introduce a nationwide standard to control biofouling of commercial and recreational vessels. 

From 15 May all commercial and recreational vessel operators will have to show they have managed biofouling on their vessels before they enter New Zealand waters.

The Ministry for Primary Industries has released guidance on how international vessels can comply with the new rules.

A new guidance document to accompany the standard has now been released to help vessel operators understand the new rules and how they can comply. 

MPI has also released a guidance document for developing customised Craft Risk Management Plans.