Didymo found in Kahurangi National Park's Karamea River
See also:
Didymo - how to Check, Clean and Dry - Biosecurity NZ website
Media contacts:
DOC:
Martin Rodd, Motueka Area Manager: +64 3 528 1810 or Trish Grant, Communications Advisor, Nelson/Marlborough: +64 3 546 3146
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand:
Matthew Thorpe, Communications and Marketing Advisor: +64 4 894 0276 or +64 29-8940436
Nelson/Marlborough Fish and Game:
Neil Deans: +64 3-544 6382 or +64 27 439 4381
Date: 10 December 2008
The Department of Conservation says the discovery of the invasive algae didymo in the Karamea River, a popular trout fishing river in the heart of Kahurangi National Park, is a serious concern.
DOC says it is concerned that didymo will impact upon the significant natural values of the Karamea River as well as detracting from the outstanding recreational fishing values the river offers. If didymo spreads further in the national park it could also impact upon rivers which are managed as important habitat for the endangered native whio/blue duck.
Didymo has been confirmed as being in the Karamea River after a fishing guide collected a sample of algae from the river between Moonstone Lake and Venus Hut and took it for testing which showed it to be didymo.
Follow these steps to help prevent the
spread of didymo
DOC and MAF Biosecurity New Zealand say the find highlights the need for people to 'Check, Clean, and Dry' their gear when moving between waterways to prevent the spread of didymo and other aquatic pests.
DOC Motueka Area Manager Martin Rodd said people needed to 'Check, Clean, Dry' gear when moving between waterways within Kahurangi National Park to protect other pristine park rivers from being infested with didymo.
"This find of didymo in the Karamea River is hugely disappointing because it is so far into the park and because it is an internationally-renowned trout fishing river. The Karamea-Leslie Track, which runs alongside the river, also is a popular backcountry tramping route.
"Any fishing gear, tramping boots and other items that have been in contact with the river should be cleaned using 'Check, Clean, Dry' procedures before being put in any other waterway. People should ensure their gear is clean before going into the park.
"Whio live on a number of rivers in the park and we are concerned about the potential impact of didymo on whio. We especially want to keep didymo out of the Wangapeka River catchment and the Fyfe River where we have an Operation Ark project running to protect whio.
"While the long term effect on invertebrates and whio is unknown, didymo can form dense mats which may affect invertebrate populations. Invertebrates are a food source for whio and if there were reduced numbers of invertebrates that would not be good news for whio.
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand South Island Operations Manager, Jeff Donaldson said everyone using waterways had a crucial role in slowing the spread of didymo and other aquatic pests.
"Every freshwater user, no matter where they are, needs to 'Check, Clean, and Dry' their gear when moving between waterways as it is our best defense against the spread of didymo and other aquatic pests."
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