Bay clampdown of noxious water weeds

Western Bay "aquatic hitchhikers" will be in the firing line this summer under new measures designed to stop the invasion of noxious weeds and plants.
The Department of Conservation is stepping up measures to stop introduced aquatic pests such as koi carp and alligator weed being transferred between local waterways.
DOC will be distributing a waterproof identification guide to water users to help the public spot the noxious nasties and curb their spread to uncontaminated waterways.
Tauranga DOC ranger John Heaphy said the nasties were often transferred between lakes and rivers unwittingly on boaties' and anglers' equipment.
The Bay's rivers and lakes were under significant pressure from new species of fish and weeds which disrupted the lake and river ecosystem. Mr Heaphy said species such as Canadian pond weed and eel grass could grow from small stem fragments attached to boat trailers and fishing gear.
"Many fish lay their eggs on weeds and juvenile fish use it for shelter. These eggs or juvenile fish can be transported on weeds that may be caught on your boat, trailer or fishing gear."
Mr Heaphy said people cleaning out their freshwater fish tanks should dump tank contents into gardens to dry out.