From Clams to Turtles, The Bay of Plenty Regional Council Cracks Down on Invasive Species

Exotic caulerpa seaweed included in amended Regional Pest Management Plan. Photo credit NIWA  

Changes to the Bay of Plenty’s Regional Pest Management Plan came into effect yesterday, aimed at improving the region’s ability to respond to new and emerging pest threats.

Following a partial review of the 10-year plan by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and feedback from the community. The updated plan includes newly identified pests and aims to broaden the scope of action for acknowledged existing pests, and introduces or refreshes regulatory rules.

According to the council’s Biosecurity Manager, Greg Corbett, having a fit-for-purpose pest management plan enables the council to react more quickly and appropriately when new threats arise.

“For example, Corbicula, an invasive freshwater clam was first detected in New Zealand in the Waikato River in May 2023,” Corbett said. “Given the proximity of this discovery to the Rotorua Te Arawa lakes, having the right rules and resources in place now puts us in the best possible position to help reduce the risk of its spread into the region.”

Corbett added that a similar approach is being taken for marine environments, where exotic Caulerpa, a highly invasive seaweed, was first discovered in New Zealand in 2021.

“This species now covers more than 1,500 hectares of seabed in the upper North Island and impacts recreational, cultural, and commercial activities,” he said. “Including exotic

Caulerpa in the Regional Pest Management Plan and adapting our marine biosecurity rules is the first step to enable the Regional Council to act and minimise the risk of it entering the region.”

Another new addition to the plan is introduced turtles, such as the red-eared slider.

As the climate warms and turtle numbers are predicted to rise, Corbett says this is a necessary step to protect local ecosystems.

“With a warming climate and geothermal soils around the Rotorua Te Arawa lakes, turtles are increasingly likely to survive and successfully breed in the wild,” he said. “The amended plan allows certain conditions to be imposed to prevent their establishment outside captivity.”