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Fiordland Undaria control programme

Undaria control efforts in Fiordland received a much-needed boost in 2021, when Environment Southland received $2 million of additional funding, through the Jobs for Nature – Mahi mō te Taiao scheme. This funding, administered by the Department of Conservation, allowed for a refreshed approach with the large-scale removal of Undaria from the Te Puaitaha/Breaksea Sound site. The purpose of this funding was to redeploy and train members of the Te Anau and surrounding community, who were affected by the 2021 floods and COVID-19.

Members of the Environment Southland Jobs for Nature dive team

Members of the Environment Southland Jobs for Nature dive team

Year one was an incredible success, with the team overcoming a significant range of challenges to meet the programme milestones. Thirteen local community members were trained to scientific certificate of competency standard, many of whom had no previous diving experience. The team surveyed and removed 30,000 kg of Undaria from over 25 km of coastline in Te Puaitaha / Breaksea Sound. Approximately 3,650 hours of work was provided to local Southland businesses and an additional 1,650 hours to COVID-affected contractors from across New Zealand.

Year two of the project started well with two additional divers recruited and trained. Unfortunately, the programme focus shifted when a new Undaria incursion was identified in Tamatea/Dusky Sound. The team were able to respond quickly and extensive surveillance was undertaken across both Tamatea/Dusky Sound and the wider Fiordland. This was the first largescale surveillance effort in Fiordland and provided invaluable information for future planning and resource allocation. Fortunately, no new marine pests were found and the Undaria management sites remained in Taiari/Chalky Inlet, Te Puaitaha/Breaksea Sound and Tamatea/Dusky Sound.

Diver searching for Undaria in Tamatea/Dusky Sound

Throughout the programme, the divers supported many other work streams across the three agencies. The divers worked on compliance and containment trips in Fiordland, assisted the Department of Conservation with local freshwater work and supported Environment Southland with three marine pest incursion responses. They also provided planning and field support for the Biosecurity New Zealand Undaria tool development project.

This project has shown that dive programmes can successfully remove large amounts of Undaria biomass, which over several years, can suppress the population and reduce the risk of spread. It also created a highly skilled and qualified local dive team, who will be an integral part of future Undaria management, as well as wider marine biosecurity work.

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