Managing Marine Pests Aotearoa

The Challenge

Marine invasive pests threaten the health of Aotearoa New Zealand’s coastal ecosystems, undermining biodiversity, damaging customary and commercial fisheries, and placing strain on communities, industries, and the natural environment. As the climate changes and global movement increases, so too does the risk of new incursions and the spread of existing pests.

While Aotearoa leads the world in marine biosecurity surveillance and prevention, we—like every other nation—struggle with what happens after a pest becomes established. Current approaches to managing incursions are often reactive, unclear in their goals, and limited by the tools available. Many pest responses fall into the ‘too hard basket’ or rely on blunt strategies like full eradication attempts without clear criteria for success.

We believe it’s time for a step change.

Building on the Marine Biosecurity Toolbox

This programme builds directly on the success of the Cawthron-led Marine Biosecurity Toolbox, which has transformed Aotearoa’s ability to detect and prevent marine pest incursions through world-leading advances in surveillance, risk assessment, and pathway management.

The new programme takes the next critical step: developing the strategies, decision-making frameworks, and in-water technologies needed to actively respond to and control marine pests once they are detected. Together, these programmes form a comprehensive, end-to-end marine biosecurity system—from early warning through to effective action.

What this programme will do

This next-generation research initiative will:

• Define a spectrum of pest management goals—including eradication, suppression, and functional control—matched to different invasion scenarios.

• Develop cutting-edge decision support tools, including spatial planning and modelling software to help decision-makers act faster and smarter.

• Design and trial new technologies that make marine pest control more effective, scalable, and targeted.

Innovative new control tools

We’re developing a portfolio of marine pest control technologies that will be tested on real pests and ready for broader use, including:

• Aquachemicals – precision-designed agents that target specific marine pests.

• Biogenic control – reintroducing native species that can outcompete invasive ones.

• ‘Blue gene’ drives – using genetic technologies to reduce pest populations.

• AI-enabled traps – automated, intelligent tools for detecting and removing pests.

• Taputapu Moana – Māori-led pest control tools grounded in traditional practice and knowledge.

Built in partnership with Māori

This programme has been co-developed with Māori researchers and kaitiaki, with research and field trials to take place in rohe moana such as Whangārei Harbour, led by Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust Board. We are working to ensure mātauranga Māori is embedded in decision-making and strategy development, and that new tools reflect iwi aspirations for restoring and protecting mauri.

Why it matters

With more than 360 non-native marine species recorded in Aotearoa—and high-profile recent invasions such as Caulerpa—the pressure to act is mounting. Marine pests cost billions globally each year, and their impacts on our coasts and communities are lasting.

This programme is about shifting from reactive firefighting to proactive, science-based, culturally grounded management. It will equip Aotearoa New Zealand with the tools and frameworks to better protect our marine ecosystems—now and into an uncertain climate future.

Funders and Partners

This programme was made possible by the support of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and will be delivered in partnership with the following partners and stakeholders: 

Research Partners

Programme Stakeholders

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