FAQs on Using Rehabitat to Treat Invasive Marine Species

First of all, What is Rehabitat?

Rehabitat is a breakthrough marine technology developed right here in Aotearoa New Zealand by Commercial Dive Specialists (CDS). It is purpose-built to eradicate invasive marine species—such as Caulerpa—while protecting the surrounding ecosystem.

Rehabitat represents a new era of marine biosecurity: targeted, contained, and environmentally responsible.

Who developed Rehabitat?

Rehabitat was developed by Commercial Dive Specialists (CDS), a pioneer in underwater innovation. CDS is known for going beyond traditional commercial diving to create cutting-edge marine technologies that address environmental challenges beneath the surface. Our innovations include:

• Rehabitat for treatment

• Mini Dredges for precision sediment removal

• Rapid Data Collection (RDC) for real-time underwater monitoring

• Underwater Communications Hubs for diver safety and coordination

CDS’s mission is to protect marine ecosystems through smart, scalable solutions.

How does Rehabitat work?

Rehabitat uses a chlorine-based solution to treat invasive species in a sealed, underwater chamber. This method allows for safe, effective treatment without exposing the wider marine environment to harmful levels of chemicals.

• Chlorine is widely recognised in marine biosecurity and breaks down naturally in water.

• Rehabitat uses only about twice the chlorine concentration of a swimming pool—a low, safe level.

• The chlorine is pumped into a sealed dome placed over the affected site, and removed after treatment, leaving only trace amounts which aren’t harmful to surrounding waters.

• Chlorides already occur naturally in seawater, so this process leaves no lasting toxic residue.

Isn’t chlorine harmful to the ocean?

Not when used responsibly. Rehabitat’s sealed system ensures chlorine stays contained during treatment. There is no open release of chlorine, unlike traditional methods. The solution is neutralised, minimising environmental impact. Chlorine is already used in global best-practice marine biosecurity.

Learn more about chlorine use in marine biosecurity

What makes Rehabitat better than older methods?

Rehabitat is designed to be:

• Highly targeted, treating only the affected area

• Fully contained, preventing dispersal of chemicals into the ocean

• More efficient, using far less chlorine than traditional benthic mats or open application methods

• Non-fragmenting, which helps stop invasive species like Caulerpa from reseeding elsewhere

What’s the environmental impact?

• Field testing and diver reports show the seabed recovers quickly following treatment.

• There is no evidence of fragmentation during use, which is critical for preventing further spread.

• The system’s containment and low chemical use make it one of the most environmentally responsible options available for invasive species eradication.

Is Rehabitat only for Caulerpa?

No. While initially deployed to combat Caulerpa, Rehabitat is designed to treat a range of invasive marine species. Its adaptable, sealed chamber system can be tailored to suit different organisms and site conditions.

How does Rehabitat compare to benthic mats?

• Lower chlorine use

• No chemical dispersal—it’s a fully sealed, contained system

• Faster site recovery

• More precise, less invasive, and more scalable