Ministry for Primary Industries

C0038458 Novel Exotic Caulerpa Surveillance Tools

We intend to survey both known and potential exotic caulerpa infestation areas to support treatment and research efforts. However, seabed surveillance across large, often remote marine areas presents challenges: it is costly, time-intensive, high-risk, and requires specialist equipment and expertise.

We are seeking novel, operational surveillance solutions that can:
• Rapidly survey sea floor areas at varying depths.
• Reliably detect and identify exotic caulerpa species.

By novel we mean: a surveillance method, technology, or approach that is currently not in use for exotic Caulerpa detection or monitoring. It may be an existing tool applied in a new way or context, but it represents a fresh or innovative solution within exotic Caulerpa surveillance.

Department/Business Unit: Biosecurity New Zealand