27 June 2024

Controlled Areas extended to 30 September

As advised in our last newsletter, the two exotic caulerpa Controlled Areas (at Aotea/Ahuahu and Te Rāwhiti Inlet) are being extended from their current expiry date of 30 June 2024 to 30 September 2024.  This will provide time for planning and targeted engagement with affected parties before decisions are made on the longer-term future of any control measures. 

Anchoring without a permit is banned in all Controlled Area Notice (CAN) areas unless there are no alternatives in emergency situations.  There is an exception in parts of Port Fitzroy. See the map on the Aotea Great Barrier Island website tab.

Some forms of fishing are permitted in Aotea and Ahuahu, including line fishing from the shore, drift fishing from a vessel, spearfishing and hand gathering.  No forms of fishing are allowed in the Te Rāwhiti CAN zone.

Any person using equipment in a CAN zone (boats, fishing gear, swimming gear or any other form of equipment) must check it for seaweed before leaving the zone.

Any seaweed present (whether suspected to be exotic caulerpa or not) must be securely stored in a bag or container before leaving the zone, and once out of the zone must be disposed of safely on land (e.g. in household rubbish or compost).  If there is no option for safe containment, the seaweed must be immediately placed back where it came from.

Full information is at www.biosecurity.govt.nz/caulerpa

Nāku noa, nā

The 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.