Vanuatu's maritime regulator has banned all international vessels from carrying out underwater hull cleaning in its waters.
240414. Photo RNZ. Vanuatu. Port Vila, Port Vila harbour, Iririki, tropics, sailing, yachting Photo: RNZ
The regulator, Kembro Manderson, said a survey had been carried out by the Department of Fisheries which discovered five non-native marine species in Port Vila harbour.
Mr Manderson said his office was concerned that more non-native marine species may have been introduced since it had been set in 2017
Mr Manderson said there was a risk that such non-native species may be harmful to Vanuatu's marine life.