The much-anticipated report from NZIER on the potential impact of exotic Caulerpa. This is very timely with the announcement recently that the Government is providing a further $10 million boost to further develop tools and techniques to tackle the invasive seaweed.
Key findings from NZIER:
The value of the Hauraki Gulf’s ecosystem services and natural capital is estimated to be more than $5 billion dollars each year, taking into account its commercial, cultural, social and recreational value.
This latest report looks at how a widespread, uncontrolled invasion of exotic Caulerpa will impact that value - and the findings are alarming.
The quantifiable impact of exotic Caulerpa is estimated to cost up to $109 million on commercial and recreational fishing, with a cost of up to $45 million on our biodiversity.
There are also a number of ecosystem services where the impact of caulerpa isn’t quantifiable - including increased costs associated with extra cleaning and maintenance for our ports, shipping and cruise tourism; as well as negative impacts on our aquaculture, recreation and carbon sequestration across the gulf.
While these findings are just a starting point, with further local field research on the impacts of exotic Caulerpa ongoing, it is unlikely that this local research will show a lower-risk profile to this invasive seaweed - meaning these current impact estimates are likely a ‘best case scenario’ for the future of the Gulf.
NZIER’s analysis did not assess the impacts of exotic Caulerpa on Te Tiriti settlements, Marine and Coastal Area Act claims, and Iwi Fisheries as this was out of scope. NZIER recommends that this assessment be completed.
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