Caulerpa closes island sanctuary waters

The affected area (coloured red) around Hauturu/Little Barrier. New biosecurity rules are in place at Hauturu o Toi/Little Barrier Island making it illegal to anchor anywhere around the island. Biosecurity New Zealand’s pest management director John Walsh says the Controlled Area Notice (CAN) is in response to the discovery of exotic caulerpa seaweed in small patches on the island’s north and east coasts. “The CAN is to prevent spread of the pest around the island or further afield,” he said. Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust has placed a rāhui over the same area. Trust chief executive Nicola Ra...