Recovery of the New Zealand muricid dogwhelk Haustrum scobina from TBT-induced imposex

Abstract

Levels of imposex in the muricid dogwhelk Haustrum scobina (Quoy & Gaimard, 1833) were assessed in two major New Zealand ports between 2015 and 2017, 12+years after the banning of TBT-based antifouling paints. In the 1990s imposex was common adjacent to port facilities and marinas in Waitemata and Tauranga Harbours, and several populations were found to be largely sterile and in decline. By 2015–17 imposex was largely absent from Tauranga Harbour and considerably reduced in Waitemata Harbour. In Waitemata Harbour imposex remained in areas adjacent to hull cleaning facilities and marinas, but at low levels and frequencies. These data highlight the success of the 2003 banning of TBT-based antifouling paints in reducing levels of imposex in New Zealand ports. However, these reductions in antifouling chemicals and subsequent population recoveries may have had unforseen effects within these harbours including changes in community structure and the arrival of non-indigenous species.