Australian Tubeworms located on Peel vessels
An unwanted arrival from down under looks set to become a problem for local boat owners.
Invasive, non-native, Australian Tubeworms were found on the hulls of a pair of fishing boats from Peel which were being taken out of the water for winter.
That's despite government telling Manx Radio there was no evidence of an invasive worm species, on vessels in Peel Marina, in September.
You can find out more HERE.
The arrival of the worms, which can multiply rapidly, is being linked to climate change and warming seas.
MHK Michelle Haywood has political responsibility for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture:
Boat owners around the Island are now being urged to check for the presence of calcified worms on their hulls.