Exotic caulerpa species can rapidly overwhelm surrounding environments when they establish outside their natural ranges. This aggressive growth reshapes seafloor habitats, with wide-ranging consequences for many marine species.
For more detailed information, visit the MPI website.
Every boater can take practical steps to help prevent the further spread of exotic caulerpa.
Start by knowing where exotic caulerpa has already been found. Check available maps and familiarise yourself with the legal restrictions that apply in certain areas, including limitations on boating and fishing activities. Understanding what caulerpa looks like and how it spreads is an important first line of defence.
Where rules about anchoring and fishing are in place, respect them. In areas without specific restrictions, get into the habit of inspecting your anchor, anchor chain, and fishing gear for attached seaweed before moving on. Any seaweed found should be removed and, where possible, bagged and disposed of safely in land-based rubbish. If that is not possible, return it to the water it came from rather than carrying it elsewhere.
If you spot something that looks like exotic caulerpa, note the location, take a photo, and report it to Biosecurity New Zealand by calling 0800 80 99 66 or submitting a report online at report.mpi.govt.nz.
The species is currently confirmed in the following locations: Auckland / Waikato Hauraki Gulf; Coromandel; and Bay of Islands (Northland). Specific sites include Aotea / Great Barrier Island; Rākino, Kawau, Repanga / Cuvier, Mokohīnau Islands; Fantail Bay (Coromandel); Waiheke Island; Te Rāwhiti Inlet; Omākiwi Cove; Motukiekie–Waewaetorea–Moturua Islands; Poroporo Island; Mohenoititi Islands (incl. Hauai); Paradise Bay; Otiao Bay; Cable Bay; Waewaetorea Channel; Sunset Bay; and Paroa Bay. If you find caulerpa anywhere outside these known locations, please report it.
This list is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publishing. For a full list of marine pest locations, visit the Marine Biosecurity Porthole.
Clean Below? Good to Go. Visit marinepests.nz to get everything you need to know about marine pest identification, boats, rules, and more.
