HMNZS Manawanui initial precautionary zone. Photo: Samoa Government
The Samoan government has removed the "precautionary zone" that was established following the sinking of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) navy vessel HMNZ Manawanui in October last year.
In a statement on Wednesday, the government said the Marine Pollution Advisory Committee (MPAC) had confirmed the complete removal of the precautionary zone after the confirmation of the test results from the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS).
"This precautionary zone was established to advise against fishing in any part of the ocean in the Safata District until scientific testing confirmed that the seawater and marine life in this area were clear and uncontaminated.
"The good news from SROS was delivered to MPAC yesterday (Tuesday). Subsequently, the precautionary zone, which had been in place since October 2024, has since been lifted."
The Samoan government said that the "prohibited zone", which is a two kilometer radius around the site of the sunken Manawanui, remains in place as fuel removal operations continue.
It said this area of the ocean is strictly off-limits to all unauthorised individuals, boats and any type of aircraft (including drones).
It added that MPAC continues to carry out specialised operations to remove fuel from the vessel, in collaboration with the New Zealand government along with its contractors.
