Kia ora

Today we’re getting in touch with a link to the TVNZ story featuring Blair Tuke, as well as a Live Ocean project update aimed at supporting the Caulerpa response.

BLAIR TUKE SPEAKS TO TVNZ SUNDAY ABOUT EXOTIC CAULERPA
Last night the exceptional investigative journalism team at TVNZ SUNDAY ran a story on the most significant marine biosecurity issue ever faced in Aotearoa New Zealand – the invasive, smothering seaweed, exotic Caulerpa. Live Ocean co-founder Blair Tuke featured in their story, visiting Omakiwi in the Bay of Islands with them to see it first-hand.

“This is a national crisis that needs a centralised government response to support the incredible mahi that’s been led by local communities.” Blair Tuke

PROJECT NEWS  INNOVATIVE DETECTION TOOLS

To support the Caulerpa response, Live Ocean Foundation is getting behind an underwater ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) pilot project that has game-changing potential for early detection and surveillance capability. It’s aimed at supporting the local communities taking on the frontline response to exotic Caulerpa.

“Finding and treating Caulerpa will be a large-scale version of “Whack-a-Mole". You’ve got to be out there and surveying to see it. All the sightings (bar one) so far have come from locals being out there, so getting them the tools they need will be key.” Peter Miles - Trustee at the Mussel Reef Restoration Trust / Revive Our Gulf project and engineering technologist 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

You can donate to the Live Ocean Caulerpa Response Fund.

Live Ocean Foundation’s focus in supporting the Caulerpa response to date in Aotearoa New Zealand has been to raise awareness, and to partner with those looking to develop, test and deliver innovative solutions that have potential for scale-up. We will continue to assess this, look to identify gaps, and work as a vital partner in the Caulerpa response effort.