The government has allocated over $6 million to develop cutting-edge technology to combat the spread of caulerpa, an invasive seaweed that has recently been identified in the Bay of Islands. This marks the first time that caulerpa has been confirmed in this major tourist destination, raising concerns about the need for swift action to contain its spread.
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the importance of investing in new technology to address the invasive exotic seaweed. The development of this technology is underway at Omākiwi Cove, with an additional $3.8 million being allocated to implement similar measures at two other locations in New Zealand.
The Northland Regional Council (NRC) recently reported the discovery of caulerpa at six new locations within the Bay of Islands Ipipiri island group. This includes popular boating anchorages such as Paradise Bay and Otiao Bay on Urupukapuka Island, as well as Army Bay on Moturua Island. The presence of caulerpa in these areas underscores the need for effective eradication strategies to prevent further spread.
Geoff Crawford, chairperson of the NRC, expressed disappointment at the new findings but remains hopeful that eradication efforts can still be successful. The development of advanced technology in Omākiwi Cove offers a glimmer of hope in the fight against caulerpa, despite the recent spread to additional locations within the Bay of Islands.
Challenges and Innovations in Caulerpa Eradication
The government funding provided for the development of industrial-scale caulerpa removal technology is a crucial step in combating the invasive seaweed. With the ability to harvest up to 30 tonnes of caulerpa per day currently in place, the goal is to scale up operations to remove 600 tonnes daily. This ambitious target highlights the scale of the challenge posed by caulerpa infestations and underscores the need for innovative solutions.
The introduction of a new tool known as a ‘submersible dredge planer’ is set to revolutionize caulerpa removal efforts. This remote-operated device will operate on the seafloor, aiming to eliminate exotic caulerpa in a single pass. The comprehensive system includes various components such as a dredge head, pumping arrangements, GPS positioning system, and a dredge spoil processing plant, all working in tandem to efficiently remove caulerpa from affected areas.
Looking Ahead: Future Strategies and Collaborations
While progress is being made in developing technology to combat caulerpa, ongoing efforts are needed to address the broader challenges posed by the invasive seaweed. NRC is actively collaborating with marine contractors and local indigenous partners to implement effective eradication strategies. The focus remains on finding innovative ways to tackle caulerpa infestations on both sandy shoals and rocky shorelines.
In addition to the industrial-scale technology being developed, NRC is supporting two other government-funded projects aimed at controlling caulerpa. These initiatives include the development of an ultra-violet light irradiation tool to kill the pest seaweed and a chlorine treatment chamber designed to hover over the seabed. These complementary approaches underscore the multi-faceted nature of caulerpa eradication efforts and the need for a holistic strategy to address the invasive species.
The discovery of caulerpa in the Bay of Islands serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by invasive species to New Zealand’s marine ecosystems. By investing in cutting-edge technology and fostering collaborations with local stakeholders, there is hope for effectively managing and controlling the spread of caulerpa. As efforts continue to evolve, the collective commitment to protecting the natural beauty of the Bay of Islands remains steadfast.