Please select your home edition
Edition
North Sails Loft 57 Podcast

Biosecurity Rules issued for Aotea Great Barrier Island to control new seaweed pest

by Zoe Hawkins 27 Sep 2021 02:00 PDT 27 September 2021
Caulerpa brachypus– an unwanted organism that is known to spread rapidly, form dense mats and potentially overrun native species © Marine Biosecurity NZ

If you’re planning to sail to Aotea Great Barrier Island, there are currently biosecurity rules in place there to control a newly discovered seaweed pest.

Biosecurity New Zealand has placed legal controls affecting some vessel activities in Blind Bay and Tryphena Harbour to try to prevent the movement of Caulerpa brachypus– an Unwanted Organism that is known to spread rapidly, form dense mats and potentially overrun native species.

Biosecurity New Zealand is working in partnership with the Aotea Mana Whenua governance group which has imposed a rahui over the same areas.

John Walsh, Biosecurity New Zealand’s Director of Readiness and Response, says Caulerpa brachypus can spread to new locations as small fragments and is easily moved by people going about water activities like boating and fishing.

“For this reason, we’ve imposed what’s known as a Controlled Area Notice, which will restrict certain activities in the infested bays to minimise spread while we assess how widespread the pest is and what can be done about it.

“Under the controls, in Blind Bay and Tryphena Harbour it is now illegal to take any seafood or other marine life. Anchoring in the two areas is banned without a permit from Biosecurity New Zealand.

“In addition, all equipment used for marine activities – for example, footwear, wetsuits, craypots, dredges, and boat trailers – cannot be removed from the Controlled Areas without first checking for seaweed and removing it, leaving it in the waterbody it came from.”

Mr Walsh says the controls aim to protect the island's wider coastline, and other parts of New Zealand, while still allowing many of the routine activities of mana whenua and local people.

"People can still swim, dive, paddle or use a vessel in the Controlled Areas, so long as they don't drop anchor. If they do, they’ll need a permit to move out.

"It's the movement of equipment along the seabed which poses the risk of picking up fragments of Caulerpa and moving it elsewhere," Mr Walsh explains.

At this stage, the controls are in place until at least the end of November.

If you are using Aotea coastal waters or planning to visit there, full detail about the situation and the legal controls is at: www.biosecurity.govt.nz/caulerpa

With lockdowns placing additional pressure on boat cleaning facilities this year, we recommend that you book your pre-summer clean in early.

Most boatyards are operating in Level 3, and it’s business as usual in Level 2. Boaties can get info on keeping their boat cleaned and well maintained, find a local haulout, and check up on the rules, at www.marinepests.nz

Related Articles

Transpac 2025 final starters depart LA
The largest boats with the longest waterlines already burning up the miles to Hawaii >The 20 biggest, fastest boats racing in the 2025 Transpac began their offshore sprint from Los Angeles, California, to Honolulu, Hawaii, today. Posted today at 1:05 am
29er Europeans at Lake Garda day 3
The fleet is now ready for the finals at Fraglia Vela Riva The 29er European Championship 2025 in Riva del Garda is already making history. With 251 teams from 29 nations, this year's edition has gathered one of the largest and most competitive fleets in class history. Posted on 5 Jul
Rolex TP52 Worlds in Cascais day 4
All on the line Sunday as American Magic Quantum Racing seek to close out eighth world title After three spectacular races today on Cascais, Portugal's showcase high winds arena, Doug DeVos' seven times world title winners American Magic Quantum Racing lead into the final day of the 2025 Rolex TP52 Worlds with a hard earned five points buffer. Posted on 5 Jul
Registration open for Annapolis to Bermuda Race
A2B covers 753 nm from the heart of the Chesapeake Bay to the island paradise of Bermuda The organizing committee of the Annapolis to Bermuda Ocean Race (A2B) is pleased to announce that registration for the 2026 edition of this iconic offshore sailing event sponsored by Mustang Survival is officially open! Posted on 5 Jul
North launches new Wingfoil Race Collection
Pinch even higher and reach even deeper at pace Pinch even higher and reach even deeper at pace. Engineered with a VMG-optimised partial double skin for improved aerodynamic efficiency, lower drag and precise manoeuvres at higher speeds. Posted on 5 Jul
AEGEAN 600 Attica Warm-Up Race
5th edition sets sail with strong winds and signature Greek hospitality Under perfect sunny skies and brisk northerly winds, the 5th edition of the annual AEGEAN 600 kicked off with a flawless start both on and off the water. Posted on 4 Jul
GKSS Match Cup Sweden & Nordea Women's Trophy D5
Stage set for Finals showdown in Marstrand With just one day to go at the 2025 GKSS Match Cup Sweden and Nordea Women's Trophy, the stage is set for a thrilling finale in both the Open and Women's classes. Posted on 4 Jul
Sam Goodchild in the Course des Caps
The final phase is full of potential pitfalls Sam Goodchild, the British skipper of MACIF Santé Prévoyance who has been dominating the IMOCA round Britain and Ireland race since the start of the third day, says the goal now is to focus on the complex finishing section. Posted on 4 Jul
29er Europeans at Lake Garda day 2
Light breeze, boat park buzz and big wins off the water >Day 2 brought lighter winds to Lake Garda, but the energy around the event stayed sky-high. Posted on 4 Jul
Rolex TP52 Worlds in Cascais day 3
French tour de force gives Paprec world championship lead As the Rolex TP52 World Championship passed its midway point today in Cascais, Portugal it is the French underdogs on Paprec, led by ocean racing legend Loïck Peyron, which has taken the overall lead. Posted on 4 Jul
Sea Sure 2025Doyle_SailWorld_728X90px_cruise BOTTOMSwitch One Design