The Hauraki Gulf is worth $5 billion a year, according to a report from the NZ Institute of Economic Research. This report was created for Auckland Council’s Hauraki Gulf Forum. Most of the $5 billion comes from recreation, which is valued at $2.49 billion, and shipping, valued at $1.34 billion. The gulf also adds $526 million in property value to nearby homes.
However, the invasive caulerpa seaweed could damage fishing activities by $109 million and biodiversity by $45 million. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown expressed his frustration with the economic impact of caulerpa. He said, “I love our harbour, and I hate wasting money,” highlighting his commitment to cleaning the invasive weed. He noted that more action is needed to control its spread, despite some solutions, like dredging.
Researchers warned that caulerpa will mean ongoing costs for ports and cruises due to extra cleaning. Nicola MacDonald, co-chair of the Hauraki Gulf Forum, supported the government’s decision to spend $10 million on research for caulerpa removal. She emphasized that caulerpa spreads quickly and harms fish nurseries, native seaweed, and seagrass, calling it the biggest threat to the marine ecosystem.
