February 26, 2024
Caulerpa sucker gets biosecurity fund boost
The Government is putting $5 million towards developing ways to remove the invasive Caulerpa seaweed.
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says the funds will be used to advance suction dredge technology being tested at Omākiwi Cove in the Bay of Islands.
He says early results look promising, but no other country has been able to adequately control or eradicate large Caulerpa infestations.
A national steering group will be formed to seek stakeholder and community input into future management, strategy and decision making.
There will also be a trial to test local elimination at Iris Shoal near Kawau Island, possible large scale suppression work at Aotea Great Barrier, and work also at Ahuahu Great Mercury Island and Waiheke.