Spreading waterways message

read it, heed it: Gisborne District Council 'Check, Clean, Dry' advocate Maia Ingoe wants water users to make sure they prevent didymo and other freshwater pests infesting Gisborne waterways. Picture supplied

“Check, Clean, Dry” is the message for all freshwater users to prevent didymo and other weeds infesting Gisborne waterways this summer.

This applies to anglers, kayakers, swimmers, boaties and trampers — anyone who comes into contact with streams, lakes and rivers.

Freshwater pests can spread through activities in and around waterways, so it is essential to clean all gear using the “check, clean, dry” method.

Check all gear and equipment that has been in the water for any visible plant fragments and remove them, leaving them far away from the water's edge.

Clean all gear and equipment with a 5 percent biodegradable detergent solution in warm water for at least two minutes.

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Dry all gear and equipment to the touch, then leave to dry for a further 48 hours before entering another fresh waterway.

Gisborne District Council's “Check, clean, dry” advocate Maia Ingoe says everyone needs to do their bit to look after the waterways.

“Pests can spread through as little as a single drop of water. We need to remove any obvious plant fragments, clean our gear to kill any lingering cells and leave it to dry to ensure that we aren't unwittingly carrying a stowaway pest.”

Freshwater pests to be aware of include didymo — an algae boom also known as “rock snot” that forms a thick brown layer around rocks and is almost impossible to remove; largosiphon — a submerged oxygen weed; and hornwort — a fast-spreading and deep-growing weed.

Largosiphon and hornwort grow fast and tall and can create blockages in waterways, reduce water quality, displace native plant species and stain the visual landscape.

“Weeds such as lagarosiphon and hornwort are widespread throughout North Island lakes, with lagarosiphon also found in Lake Waikaremoana,” Miss Ingoe said. “It's crucial we keep them out of Tairawhiti as they could destroy our treasured waterways and limit our enjoyment of them.”

Miss Ingoe will be visiting popular freshwater spots around Gisborne and Wairoa this summer to remind people to check, clean and dry. She will be handing out cleaning packs and spreading the word on freshwater pests.

If you spot any suspected didymo or other freshwater pests, contact the council's biosecurity team or ring the Biosecurity New Zealand hotline 0800 80 99 66.

More information on freshwater pests can be found on www.gdc.govt.nz/freshwater-pests