People are being asked to stay clear as an oil spill exercise takes place at the Port of Tauranga today.

The exercise is to help maintain and build oil spill response capability amongst industry, says a statement from the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

A training exercise is taking part at the Port of Tauranga today. File photo.

'Today's exercise will involve testing a boom during a strong tide and if successful will mean industry is better placed to address an oil spill at the port.

'If you see this exercise taking place please stay well clear and make sure you observe the port exclusion zone.”

A similar exercise was held last year.

Read more here.