Boaties heading out on the water this summer are urged to take extra care to prevent the spread of exotic caulerpa.
The highly invasive marine pest threatens to wreak havoc on our 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 this marine pest across the Hauraki Gulf, Bay of Islands, Coromandel, and beyond.
Mayor Wayne Brown says he’ll be out on the water again this summer and remaining vigilant around caulerpa.
“Last season, before I went to Great Barrier, I arranged a mooring to ensure my anchoring actions did not spread this pest.
“It is good to see reminders going out to boaties. Now it’s up to us to make sure we help prevent the spread of this nasty weed and protect our treasured marine environments for everyone.”
The chair of Auckland Council’s policy and planning committee, councillor Richard Hills, emphasises the importance of boaties playing their part in stopping the spread.
“We all love enjoying the stunning waters of the Hauraki Gulf and our neighbouring coastal areas, but we must remember that exotic caulerpa poses a serious threat to these ecosystems.
“We must do all we can to reduce the spread. Anchoring in infested areas can easily disturb this pest, allowing it to spread further.
“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.”
Auckland Council’s team manager pathways, Liz Brooks, says containment is currently the best strategy.
“This is a collective effort. We need people to remember that every action can make a difference, and we need everyone’s help to stop caulerpa from spreading.”
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.
Exotic caulerpa is found in several key areas: Hauraki Gulf: Kawau Island, Waiheke Island (Onetangi Bay/Thompson Point), Rakino Island, Aotea/Great Barrier Island, and Mokohinau Islands.
Boaties, fishers, and beachgoers can all help slow the spread of exotic caulerpa.
- 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.
- If you see any unusual seaweed, take a photo, record the location, and report it to MPI on 0800 80 99 66.
