Exotic caulerpa has recently been found at two new locations: Rakino Island and the Mokohinau Islands.
The Rakino discovery was made by Auckland Council staff investigating a reported suspicious sighting of exotic caulerpa. A small confirmed patch was discovered at Woody Bay, and then subsequently at other areas around Rakino. Further surveillance is now underway to understand the extent of this caulerpa spread.
The incursion at Mokohinau Islands was found by University of Auckland scientific divers undertaking work for the Department of Conservation and seems to include more established patches of caulerpa.
While disappointing, these findings were not unexpected, and Biosecurity New Zealand is leading the response including rapid surveillance of these areas to determine what we are dealing with and potential management options.
