22 October 2024
Kia ora koutou
In this update – Biosecurity New Zealand seeks proposals for research on the long-term impacts of exotic caulerpa; and public meeting scheduled at Waiheke Island to discuss a potential CAN there.
Request for proposals now on the GETS website
Biosecurity New Zealand is seeking proposals for research looking into the long-term impacts of exotic caulerpa seaweed in locations with identified infestations.
This initiative is to build our understanding of this invasive species and inform future management strategies.
Information has today been posted to the GETS website here.
$457,500 is available in conditional grant(s) funding to produce a detailed impact assessment (strategic science) report on the long-term impacts of exotic caulerpa and recommendations for future management approach.
Application forms can be obtained by emailing caulerpagrants@mpi.govt.nz using the subject line: Impact studies application form request.
Applications for the funding must be with Biosecurity New Zealand by 5pm on Monday 4 November 2024.
If you have questions, email caulerpagrants@mpi.govt.nz before 5pm on Wednesday 30 October 2024.
Information about exotic caulerpa is here.
Public meeting at Waiheke Island to discuss potential controlled area
Onetangi, Waiheke Island
Biosecurity New Zealand is holding a public meeting at Waiheke Island this week to talk to the local community about the possibility of placing a Controlled Area Notice (CAN) over the area affected by exotic caulerpa.
If put in place, this would restrict activities such as fishing and anchoring in the CAN area to help prevent further spread of the pest seaweed.
The meeting is hosted by Ngāti Pāoa and facilitated by Local Board Chair Cath Handley.
The meeting is on Wednesday 23 October at: Onteangi Hall, 9 Third Avenue, Onetangi from 5.30pm to 7.00pm.
There is currently a rāhui in place from Palm Beach, around Thompsons Point and across Onetangi Bay. The CAN, if put in place, would broadly cover the same area.
The criteria generally considered for a CAN for exotic caulerpa are the size and density of the infestation and the volume of vessel movement through the area. These are all things that contribute to the risk of spread.
While the Waiheke infestation is relatively sparse compared with the density at the two other locations with CANs (Aotea Great Barrier Island and Te Rāwhiti Inlet in the Bay of Islands), it is a geographically large area with a lot of marine traffic through it.
Our team is also meeting with representatives of businesses on the island, the fishing industry and Auckland boating and sailing communities.
Report on Omakiwi Cove mechanical suction dredging now on caulerpa webpage
The mechanical suction dredge in action at Omakiwi Cove
A key project in the Exotic Caulerpa Accelerated Programme was the refinement of a mechanical suction dredge tool, mounted on a barge, to remove exotic caulerpa on a large scale. The tool and operating procedure had been earlier developed by Northland Regional Council and partner Johnson Bros.
In this second phase of work, the team designed, built and tested a trommel system to effectively 'sieve' the captured material, allowing sand and sediments to be returned to the seafloor. In addition, a secondary barge was employed to remove the captured caulerpa for disposal ashore.
Cawthron Institute has reported on the process and its efficacy, and their report is now on the exotic caulerpa webpage.
Nāku noa, nā
The exotic caulerpa response team
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For more information about exotic caulerpa seaweeds in New Zealand visit the Ministry for Primary Industries Biosecurity New Zealand website.