Ecosystem and Habitat Interactions

By-Catch

There is negligible by-catch in the Undaria fishery as it is a highly selective, hand-collection fishery.

Threatened, Endangered or Protected Species Interactions (TEPs)

Interactions between threatened, endangered, or protected species and the Undaria fishery are minimal. The harvest of Undaria is not permitted in areas where the Giant Kelp Marine Forests of South East Australia threatened ecological community are known occur.

Habitat Interaction

The Undaria fishery has minimal interaction with habitat, as it is a highly selective, hand-collection fishery.

Climate Change

Undaria is an exotic pioneer species (first to grow in new or disturbed environments) that may increase in abundance as waters warm and other native species experience dieback (Valentine and Johnson, 2003).

Ecological Role of Undaria

Undaria pinnatifida is a declared noxious pest species in Tasmania. It is a minor component of the canopy of mixed kelp beds in Tasmanian waters, generally more abundant in winter (Hurd et al., 2023).