The Department of Conservation (DoC) is urging people to take extra care this summer after warning that freshwater pests are easily spread through wet recreational equipment.
DoC says items such as fishing gear, boats, kayaks, lifejackets, footwear, swimwear and even drink bottles can carry pests from one lake or river to another.
Freshwater Ecosystems and Threats Manager Nicki Atkinson said the Check, Clean, Dry method remains the most effective way to stop the spread of organisms such as didymo and invasive clams, pointing to a recent discovery of invasive gold clams in New Plymouth as evidence of how easily infestations can occur.
The affected lake has since been closed and partially drained, while Waikato remains under a controlled area notice requiring strict biosecurity measures for water users.
DoC is also concerned about lindavia, an algae that creates sticky “lake snow” and has already been detected in parts of Nelson Lakes National Park.
With no known way to eradicate these pests, prevention is critical. The public is asked to report any suspected sightings to Biosecurity New Zealand.
