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Help prevent the spread of didymo - an invasive freshwater alga that threatens the health of our waterways.
Don't take the lake up river!
Didymo has been found along the lake edges of Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri. Therefore it is important to check, clean, dry all gear. before leaving the lake edge and moving into lake tributaries or other waterways. This will help prevent transferring didymo into Fiordland's rivers.
Special conditions - anglers
Check, Clean, Dry to help prevent the
spread of didymo and other freshwater
pests
Any person wanting to fish on almost all of Fiordland's rivers and lakes is required to obtain a Clean Gear Certificate for all gear at an approved cleaning station, within 48 hours prior to fishing. Specific areas are excluded from these restrictions and conditions - please see map for details and control areas. These fishing controls require you to have in your possession:
- A current Sports Fishing Licence.
- A valid Clean Gear Certificate.
- An approved didymo cleaning kit.
Special conditions - boat users
All watercraft are prohibited from entering the Clinton and Arthur Rivers, however a permit control system is in place for kayakers wishing to kayak the Arthur River and Lake Ada. A permit can be obtained from the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre in Te Anau during opening hours - 8.30am - 5pm, or by prior arrangement from Ash Rore at the Fiordland Lobster Company, based in Milford - telephone +64 3 249 8093 between 8am and 5pm.
Watercraft operating on large eastern Fiordland lakes are encouraged not to enter tributary rivers, as these lakes are didymo infected. Movement may spread didymo upstream into these pristine rivers.
Special conditions - trampers and hunters
Didymosphenia geminata - Didymo
To limit the spread of didymo, Milford Track walkers need to bring dry clothing and boots. If boots and socks are damp they will need to be disinfected before leaving for the track. However, there is a cleaning station provided at Glade Wharf.
It is up to each person to take personal responsibility for limiting the spread of didymo. While cleaning gear is provided at some huts you are encouraged to carry your own supplies so as not to be reliant on what is available in these huts. The message is check, clean, dry your gear before heading into Fiordland.
If you have any concerns or questions please contact the Department of Conservation.
Disinfecting your gear
If your gear has been thoroughly dry to touch for at least 48 hours before your trip, you are didymo-free. If your gear is wet or damp from contact with any river or lake, you will need to disinfect your equipment, including socks and boots.
Clean all equipment with a disinfecting solution, ensuring surface contact for one minute for nonabsorbent items. Absorbent items need to be soaked to allow thorough saturation. There are a range of solutions that you can use. The most accessible is a five percent solution of dishwashing liquid, i.e. one cup of dishwashing detergent with water added to make five litres. Freezing any item until solid will also kill didymo.