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Boaties heading out on the water are being urged to take extra care to prevent the further spread of caulerpa, the highly invasive marine pest that threatens to wreak havoc on marine ecosystems and recreational waters.
Auckland Council, in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), iwi, and neighbouring regions, is ramping up efforts to contain the spread of caulerpa across the Hauraki Gulf, Bay of Islands, Coromandel, and beyond.
Council’s Policy and Planning Committee chair Councillor Richard Hills says boaties have an important role to play in stopping the spread.
Anchoring in infested areas can easily disturb this pest, allowing it to spread further.,” he says. “This is not just about following rules – it’s about protecting the places we love to visit, fish and play. If we don’t act responsibly, we risk losing access to some of our most treasured marine environments.”
Council believes containment is currently the best strategy.
Why is exotic caulerpa a problem?
Exotic caulerpa (Caulerpa brachypus and Caulerpa parvifolia) is a fast-spreading marine algae that blankets the seafloor, outcompeting native seaweeds and seagrass. This disrupts vital marine habitats for fish, shellfish, and other marine life, leading to a decline in biodiversity and threatening the recreational fishing and diving opportunities New Zealanders cherish.
Where is it found?
Kawau Island, Waiheke Island (Onetangi Bay/Thompson Point), Rakino Island, Aotea/Great Barrier Island and Mokohinau Islands.
Other areas outside the Hauraki Gulf: Bay of Islands and Coromandel (Fantail Bay and Great Mercury Island/Ahuahu).
Controlled Area Notices (CANs) are already in place at Aotea/Great Barrier Island, Ahuahu Great Mercury and the Bay of Islands, and Waiheke Island. Boats can anchor, but boaties must check and clean anchors and chains after doing so. No fishing that disturbs the sea floor is permitted.
What can you do?
• Avoid anchoring or disturbing the sea floor in infested areas: anchors and chains can fragment caulerpa, causing it to spread to new locations.
• Check and clean gear: clean anchors, fishing gear, dive equipment, and any other gear when moving between regions. If you find it, bag it and bin it. If you can’t do this, return it to where it came from; do not move it to a new location.
• Report sightings: If you see any unusual seaweed, take a photo, record the location, and report it to MPI on 0800 80 99 66.
• Respect Controlled Area Notices: CANs are in place to protect vulnerable marine environments. Make sure you know where you can safely anchor and fish before heading out.
Failure to contain exotic caulerpa could have devastating consequences including the loss of recreational areas for anchoring, fishing, and diving, and the loss of native marine habitats affecting fish populations and overall marine health.
“Removing large-scale caulerpa infestations is currently not feasible. Although we are leaning on research and development for solutions, prevention is the only viable solution right now,” Hills says.
“This summer, we’re working hard with MPI, iwi, and communities to develop new tools, trial new techniques, and provide alternative mooring options. But we need everyone’s cooperation to protect our waters.”
Throughout the summer, ambassadors will be stationed at boat ramps and marinas to provide information and answer questions. Boaties are encouraged to engage with them and learn how to play their part in protecting New Zealand’s marine environment.
For more information, visit www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/
