Caulerpa

Caulerpa threatens to suffocate marine waters from Cape Reinga to East Cape.

Two non-native Caulerpa species are now established in New Zealand. Invasive Caulerpa can form large, dense meadows that smother sea-floor habitats, displacing endemic species and impacting the ecology and mauri of New Zealand’s marine ecosystems. The current known extent of infestation is at least 1,500 hectares. If left untreated, Caulerpa has potential to spread from Cape Reinga to East Cape, impacting all of those who rely on a healthy marine environment for commercial, recreation, and customary practices.