Download AEBR 362 The relationships between macroalgae and New Zealand's wild fisheries, key vulnerabilities and monitoring approaches

Mangan, S.; Tait, L.W.; Wing, S.; D’Archino, R.; Neill, K.; Battershill, C.; Schiel, D.R.. (2025). The relationships between macroalgae and New Zealand's wild fisheries, key vulnerabilities and monitoring approaches.

This report reviews key national and international research on the ecological importance of macroalgae, such as kelp, in supporting fisheries in Aotearoa New Zealand. This research shows that macroalgae are important in providing habitat and contributing to coastal food webs, as well as playing a significant role in global carbon cycles. These ecological services contribute to macroalgal habitats that are integral to a number of important fishery species, such as kōura papatea (red rock lobster), pāua, and various finfish and bivalves, resulting in substantial economic contributions. For example, the 13 fisheries that are associated with kelp had a combined asset value of $NZD 5.2 billion in 2019.

But macroalgae are vulnerable to a number of significant stressors including rising temperatures, sedimentation, and kina grazing. To better understand the impacts of these large-scale environmental pressures and support effective monitoring and management, satellite remote sensing has been identified as a valuable tool because it enables the generation of updateable maps showing the extent of large canopy forming kelps. When combined with other monitoring methods, it can aid our understanding of macroalgal dynamics and further contribute to more informed ecosystem-based management of New Zealand’s coastal marine resources.