Over the past three days, the team has been at work, diving to collect data and specimens. The data collected will provide valuable insights into the extent of the infestation and inform our future efforts to suppress or entirely eliminate this invasive species.
This invasive marine algae poses a significant threat to our marine biodiversity, and understanding its spread is the first step towards formulating an effective management and elimination strategy.
The project is a collaborative effort between Ngāti Hei, the Waikato Regional Council (WRC), and the Thames-Coromandel District Council (TCDC). This partnership has been instrumental in the success of the project so far, and we’re looking forward to continuing this collaboration as the project progresses. Craig Balsom has led the Ngati Hei role with the project and Kelly MacPherson has been on board helping with the collection of data.
Over the next two days, the dive surveys and data collection will continue, working towards our goal of a comprehensive map of the Caulerpa infestation.
We’ll keep you updated on our progress.
