Current Status and Trajectory of Macroalgal Restoration in Aotearoa New Zealand

Macroalgal forests dominate many rocky reef ecosystems across Aotearoa New Zealand, spanning a broad latitudinal gradient from subtropical‐to‐subantarctic waters. These habitats are characterised by high diversity and structural complexity, supporting productive coastal food webs that provide for numerous culturally and economically important species, while delivering essential ecosystem services within the coastal environment. Despite their ecological and socioeconomic importance, increasing evidence indicates that macroalgal forests in Aotearoa are declining in extent and condition. Drivers of decline vary regionally but commonly include sedimentation from land‐use change, overgrazing linked to trophic imbalances, ocean warming, marine heatwaves and invasive species. This manuscript reviews the current status and future direction of macroalgal forest restoration in Aotearoa, synthesising findings from 15 restoration research projects undertaken between 2019 and 2024 across northern, central and southern regions. These projects have trialled a range of approaches including sea urchin removal, reseeding, transplantation and invasive species control. Results indicate that while some techniques, particularly sea urchin removal, can lead to rapid recovery of macroalgae under suitable conditions, most restoration efforts remain small‐scale and experimental. Advancing restoration requires an improved understanding and amelioration of the drivers of decline, sustained funding, stronger legislative support and collaborative approaches involving mana whenua, communities, government and industry.