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Undaria control in Rakiura/ Stewart Island

Although Undaria is widespread around northern Rakiura (Oban, Paterson Inlet, Big Glory Bay and Port Adventure), much of the coastline is still Undaria-free, meaning we do respond to and manage new incursions, outside of the Southern Undaria Exemption area. At present, we are managing Undaria at two sites – Broad Bay and Easy Harbour.

Broad Bay

Undaria was found on a craypot in Broad Bay in September 2020. The infected pot was removed and treated, and no further Undaria was found in the surrounding area. No Undaria has been found since the original incursion in 2020 and we will continue to monitor this site, with the hope of declaring this a successful elimination in the coming years.

Easy Harbour

In June 2022, Environment Southland was notified of Undaria in a small bay in Easy Harbour. Surveillance was completed and the decision was made to respond and begin an Undaria removal programme at this site. This is a difficult and costly site to access, however, Undaria removal is occurring one to two times per year. We will continue to monitor spread and success at this site to inform future management options.

Divers completing marine pest surveillance in southern Rakiura

What you can do to help

  • Always look out for Undaria and other new marine pests while you’re out on the sea. Take a good-quality photo, GPS location and report anything unusual to Environment Southland on 0800 76 88 45.
  • Learn about the Undaria Exemption Area and ensure that your hull, marine gear and equipment, including lobster pots, mooring lines and dive gear, is free of Undaria before leaving this area. All onboard residual seawater collected in the Exemption Area must be treated or discarded within the Exemption Area.
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