Professor Andrew Jeffs was the final speaker of a busy night...
Andrew, who is well-known to the club is a professor at Auckland University and works in the Institute of Marine Science at Auckland University he discussed the Caulerpa problem and other environmental issues in the Hauraki Gulf.
Andrew gave us an update on the Caulerpa problem, which was first discovered in 2021 in the Great Barrier Island and Kiwi Bay in the Bay of Islands.
The seaweed species, which originated from eastern Australia and the Pacific, has spread rapidly, posing a serious threat to the coastal ecosystems. The Caulerpa problem is estimated to cost the country $9 billion in lost economic productivity. It is a serious problem.
The government is funding testing systems to control the spread, including a pilot project using chlorine to kill the seaweed.
Andrew told us about the significant impact of Caulerpa on coastal ecosystems, including the destruction of kelp forests and the overpopulation of sea urchins.
The government has implemented restrictions on crayfish capture in the Hauraki Gulf to allow the crayfish population to recover and control the sea urchin population.
The Minister of Fisheries announced plans to extend the crayfish capture ban along the northeastern coast to protect the ecosystem.
The government is also considering establishing marine protected areas in the Hauraki Gulf to address overfishing and environmental pressures.
Andrew highlighted the government's efforts to address environmental issues in the Hauraki Gulf, including the introduction of legislation for marine protected areas.
Waiheke Island Community group's proposal for a marine reserve in Waiheke is still under consideration by the government.
Andrew encouraged us to watch the documentary "David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet," which highlights the global impact of environmental degradation on marine ecosystems.
Andrew commented that despite the proposed marine protection in the gulf he could not understand the government's decision to allow bottom trawling in the Hauraki Gulf despite community opposition.
All in all Andrews address was a bit depressing especially with respect to the effect and impact of caulerpa on the marine environment..
As ever Andrew's addresses to the club were insightful and gave us all food for thought.