Invasive seaweed caulerpa threatens NZ's Hauraki Gulf, potentially costing $150m and requiring $10m government funding for removal efforts.

The invasive seaweed, caulerpa, threatens NZ's Hauraki Gulf, costing up to $150m due to its impact on marine biodiversity and fisheries. The seaweed, washed up after Cyclone Gabrielle, poses a significant threat to the Gulf's ecosystem. The government has announced a $10m funding boost for caulerpa removal efforts, while the Hauraki Gulf Forum is developing tools and techniques against the exotic caulerpa. The seaweed disrupts food chains, forms dense monocultures on the seafloor, and inhibits fish population growth.

August 08, 2024
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