first Kiwi submersible to fight caulerpa seaweed pest in Bay of Islands
A $5 million, 16-tonne remote underwater vehicle (ROV) dredge planer, designed and built in Northland, New Zealand, has been launched for final sea trials. This world-first submersible aims to remove invasive caulerpa seaweed, which poses a significant threat to New Zealand's marine environment.
Why it matters
This innovative, large-scale solution offers a potentially effective method to combat a widespread invasive species, protecting marine ecosystems and the 'Kiwi way of life' from environmental and economic damage.
Ōpua’s Andrew Johnson and the Northland-made $5m ROV submersible dredge planer. Photo / Susan Botting
Factual reporting on a technological development and environmental effort, presented neutrally.
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