DOC and Southland Fish & Game are reminding waterway users to Check, Clean and Dry their gear following a new discovery of didymo in Fiordland.
Results from a recent DOC survey confirmed the unwelcome presence of freshwater pest algae didymo in Kaipo River, northwest Fiordland.
Southland Fish & Game Senior Ranger Josh Tabak says Kaipo River was notable for its pristine state, making it an important site for freshwater biodiversity and an attractive spot for recreational users.
“The vast majority of Fiordland’s rivers and tributaries still remain free of didymo, and we’d like to keep it that way.
“Didymo significantly impacts freshwater insect populations in New Zealand, which in turn ripples up the food chain and negatively affects the native fish and birdlife that rely on the high-nutrient freshwater insects that get displaced.
“It also detracts from the pure Fiordland experience for many waterway and national park users, which is the very reason many people seek these places out for recreation.
“The discovery of didymo in Kaipo River is a timely reminder to Check, Clean, Dry and ensure that didymo doesn’t spread any further into Fiordland.”
DOC Senior Freshwater Advisor Susan Emmitt says thoroughly cleaning and drying your gear, including when you’re moving between waterways, is proven to kill didymo.
“Check, Clean, Dry also helps prevent other freshwater pests, like lagarosiphon, hornwort and freshwater clams from destroying native ecosystems and spoiling the experience of people out naturing in and around our beautiful rivers and lakes nationwide.
“All waterway users in Fiordland need to do their part – packrafters, trampers, hunters and anglers, for example, all share a responsibility to Check, Clean and Dry their gear before heading into Fiordland and importantly, when moving between Fiordland catchments.”
Josh says Southland Fish & Game and DOC will continue to monitor waterways throughout Fiordland to track didymo and other freshwater pests.
