The parchment worm Chaetopterus sp.
Background information on the parchment worm Chaetopterus sp.
The parchment worm Chaetopterus sp. was first discovered in New Zealand in 1966 and is considered a cryptogenic species (or of unknown origin).
The population extent of Chaetopterus sp. was limited across New Zealand until the mid-1990s, when a sudden surge in abundance in the Hauraki Gulf saw Chaetopterus sp. forming extensive dense mats covering sheltered seafloor areas and inhabiting rock crevices. This increase caused problems for scallop dredge fishers and raised concerns about Chaetopterus sp. potential to cause the exclusion of other benthic species.
Marlborough’s Queen Charlotte Sound has recently seen an increase in Chaetopterus sp. abundance which has subsequently spread to the broader top of the south island marine area. Similar concerns that were raised in response to the Hauraki Gulf expansion in the 1990’s have been voiced by local authorities, industry and the public within the Marlborough area. Of particular concern are the potential impacts on biodiversity and the scallop fishery within the region.
Parchment worms on sea floor in Marlborough (MLDC)
Marlborough District Council (MDC) responded to this issue by commissioning The University of Waikato to conduct a desktop assessment of key technical information relating to Chaetopterus sp. The work was funded by an Envirolink grant (2423) and focuses on three key areas; 1) identification of potential impacts on local marine ecosystems and industry; 2) exploration of possible establishment pathways; and 3) identification of gaps in current knowledge. The assessment seeks to synthesise information to better understand Chaetopterus sp. with a view to aid in decision-making, assist in informing the public and to identify future research directions. Along with a full report, a summary sheet has also been produced as part of the work.
Oliver Wade, Principal Coastal Scientist from MDC explains that this information collation was a foundation piece of work to assist in a better understanding of what the organism is, the threat it poses and its general biology. Oliver says “this review has been critical in allowing us to have informed conversations with our community and iwi and be able to discuss the risks and issues as well as understanding the gaps in our knowledge”.
MDC is supporting further work by a student of the University of Waikato to understand more specifically the impact of Chaetopterus sp. on the ecology of the sounds.
Last modified: