New Zealand: Biosecurity rules in place to stop Northland spread of invasive seaweed

Published 2023년 6월 12일

Tridge summary

A new biosecurity notice, effective from 12 June 2023, prohibits fishing, anchoring, and diving in a portion of the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, to prevent the spread of exotic Caulerpa seaweed. This measure, known as a Controlled Area Notice, follows the discovery of two invasive species in Omākiwi Cove, indicating a multi-season presence. The restrictions are necessary to safeguard the marine environment from these rapidly spreading pests. Despite the challenges of eradication, authorities remain open to exploring potential control methods and encourage the public to report any sightings of exotic Caulerpa.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

New biosecurity rules to prevent the spread of exotic Caulerpa seaweed will make it illegal to fish or anchor a vessel in an area of Te Rāwhiti in the Bay of Islands from 11.59pm on Monday, 12 June 2023. Two species of exotic Caulerpa have been found in the Omākiwi Cove area - Caulerpa brachypus and Caulerpa parvifolia, and the amount found suggests the seaweed has been in the area for a number of seasons. These introduced seaweeds can spread rapidly and form dense underwater fields. Biosecurity New Zealand’s deputy director-general Stuart Anderson says mana whenua and others in the Northland community understand that preventative measures are needed to attempt to contain this pest. “These new legal restrictions, known as a Controlled Area Notice, are important to protect the valued Northland marine environment, but also wider Aotearoa New Zealand waters. “We are working in close partnership with mana whenua for Te Rāwhiti and they have supported this Controlled Area Notice (CAN) ...

Source: Mpi