Download AEBR 207 – New Zealand Macroalgae: Distribution and Potential as National Scale Ecological Indicators

D’Archino, R.; Neill, K.F.; Nelson, W.A.; Fachon, E.; Peat, C. (2019). New Zealand Macroalgae: Distribution and Potential as National Scale Ecological Indicators.

New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No.207. 217 p.

Canopy-forming macroalgae are internationally recognised as critical components of coastal ecosystems as primary producers, coastal buffers and provision of habitat. This report evaluates the use of large brown macroalgae as indicators of ecosystem health by: summarising the international and national literature; testing the responses of key species to stressors in culture; investigating a range of approaches to mapping and monitoring, including the use of drones and machine learning to analyse underwater videos.