MPI has announced it will increase biosecurity staff and checks in the on international yachts entering Whangarei this season.

From October to December there will be four extra staff based in the region to carry out biosecurity inspections and dog teams to check selected vessels for undeclared food, plants and other risk goods that could carry pests and diseases.

Navel and aerial surveillance will also start in October to ensure vessels do not make landfall in New Zealand before they arrive at the only two approved places in Northland for yachts to arrive, Opua and Marsden Cove.

MPI has also been working to raise biosecurity awareness levels amongst the yachting communities.