Check, Clean and Dry!

Make Sure you Check, Clean and Dry all gear when using our waterways!

Freshwater pests such as Lagarosiphon major, Didymo and toxic algae can be devastating to native ecosystems and recreation if they find their way into water bodies.

.As we know, Lagarosiphon has negatively impacted boating, fishing and swimming in Lake Dunstan. It was first recorded in here in 1974 and now covers one fifth of the lake bed. The lake however is still at risk. Improper cleaning of boats, wetsuits and gear could reintroduce Lagarosiphon to areas it has been eradicated and introduce new pests like Didymo; which would further decimate the lake.

There still remains some waterbodies in Otago that are free from freshwater pests. In order to keep it this way, we all need to do our part. The smallest weed fragment or speck algae is all that's needed to start new colonises.
New Zealand currently spends millions each year on managing and eradicating freshwater pests. If more waterbodies become infested, management and labour will be stretched further and could be less effective.
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Click on the link below to learn more about Check, Clean, Dry and how you can ‘Protect your patch.’

Check, Clean, Dry