Marine Pests - Environment Southland

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MaRinE containMEnt oRganiSMS
undaRia
(Undaria pinnatifida)
Description
Undaria is a golden brown seaweed with a central midrib,
divided frond and a fleshy, frilly reproductive structure
at the base of the seaweed. These characteristics help
differentiate Undaria from native seaweed species.
Undaria was accidentally introduced into New Zealand
in the early 1980s, and has now spread to many parts
of the coastline, including Southland. It is known to
occur in Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island/Rakiura and in
Bluff harbour, but is not known to have established in
Fiordland or elsewhere around the coastline.
Undaria is an annual seaweed that first appears
in early spring. It can grow at rates of one cm per
day and is capable of reproducing when 50 days old.
During the growth stage, Undaria releases its spores
into the marine environment, and then dies off in the
late summer. The spores can attach to boat hulls and
develop into an invisible seed-like stage. Undaria
survives over the autumn and winter in this seed-like
stage, and then starts growing again in early spring.
Pest Classification
Undaria is a “Containment” plant throughout the
Southland region. The aim is to prevent Undaria
establishing in Fiordland and along other parts of
Southland’s coastline and to support any programmes
to reduce the distribution and density where Undaria
has established in the region.
Objectives
1. To prevent the human spread of Undaria within
the Southland region.
2. To support programmes aimed at reducing the
distribution and density of Undaria where it has
established in the region during the term of the
Strategy.
3. To raise community awareness of the cultural,
biodiversity and economic impacts of Undaria.
Regional Pest Management Strategy
Rules
1. No person may possess, sell or offer for sale,
propagate, transport or release any Undaria into
or within the Southland region.
2. The person in charge of any vehicle used to
transport persons or equipment is responsible
for ensuring no live Undaria are present on or
within the vehicle prior to arrival in the Southland
region.
3. Every person who sees Undaria, or suspects
that Undaria is present in Southland, must
immediately report the sighting or possible
presence to Environment Southland.
A breach of these rules without reasonable excuse is
an offence under Section 154(r) of the Act.