World-first seaweed-eating machine deployed in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands to combat invasive species

A pilot project to control invasive seaweed in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands has launched with the deployment of a specialized machine designed to remove kelp, according to a statement from the Department of Conservation (DoC). The initiative, described as a “world-first” effort, aims to mitigate ecological damage caused by rapidly spreading seaweed species, which threaten native marine life and coastal ecosystems.

How the seaweed-eating machine works

The machine, developed by marine technology firm SeaClear, uses a combination of robotic arms and precision cutting tools to target invasive kelp without disturbing surrounding habitats. “This technology allows us to selectively remove problematic seaweed while preserving biodiversity,” said Dr. Emily Carter, a marine biologist with SeaClear, in a press release. The device operates remotely, reducing human exposure to hazardous marine environments.

The project, funded by a $2.3 million grant from the New Zealand government, focuses on the Bay of Islands, a region known for its tourism and ecological significance. Invasive kelp species, such as *Undaria pinnatifida*, have proliferated due to warming ocean temperatures, according to a 2023 report by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA).

Environmental impact and challenges

While the initiative has garnered support from conservation groups, some experts caution about potential unintended consequences. “Removing large amounts of seaweed could disrupt food chains or alter sediment dynamics,” noted Dr. James Whitmore, a marine ecologist at the University of Auckland. “Long-term monitoring will be critical to assess outcomes.”

The DoC emphasized that the project includes a 12-month evaluation phase to track ecological changes. Data will be shared with local iwi (Māori tribes) and environmental organizations to ensure the approach aligns with cultural and ecological priorities.

What happens next?

If successful, the technology could be scaled to other regions facing similar invasive species challenges. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has already expressed interest in adopting similar methods, according to a spokesperson. However, the project’s viability depends on securing additional funding and addressing technical limitations, such as the machine’s efficiency in deep or turbulent waters.

“This is a promising step, but it’s just one tool in a broader strategy to protect our oceans,” said DoC spokesperson Lisa Morgan. “We remain committed to adaptive management and community collaboration.”

Additional reporting by New Zealand Herald and NIWA.