New Zealand bids to prevent spread of invasive seaweed

NZ bid to prevent spread of invasive seaweed. Biosecurity New Zealand is placing legal controls on parts of Aotea Great Barrier Island in a bid to contain the invasive seaweed Caulerpa brachypus, while the local Mana Whenua governance group on Aotea are supporting a dual response by imposing a rāhui over the same areas. Caulerpa brachypus, which has been found in Blind Bay and Tryphena Harbour, is an Unwanted Organism under the Biosecurity Act and can spread rapidly and create dense mats. Biosecurity New Zealand’s director readiness and response, John Walsh, says it can be spread to new locations by small fragments and is easily moved by people going about water activities like boating, and fishing, including dredging. “We’re working with our partners, the Mana Whenua governance group and the local board to try to minimise this spread while we continue to assess where the pest seaweed is and what we can do in response.” From Monday, 20 September, Biosecurity New Zealand will issue ...