CHECK, CLEAN, DRY
Join freshwater lovers around New Zealand in the fight against didymo and other unwanted pests.
Didymo can be spread by a single drop of water.
Image: Ministry for Primary Industries | ©
WHAT YOU
CAN DO
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If you’ve been in the water, always Check, Clean and Dry your gear before you head to another lake, river or stream:
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Check: Before you leave, remove any plant material you can see, and leave it on the bank. If you find some later, put it in the rubbish – don’t wash it down the drain.
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Clean: Spray or soak all items with a cleaning mix. The mix is different for the North and South Islands. For details, see the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Check, Clean, Dry resources.
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Dry: Once your gear is completely dry to the touch, leave it to dry for another 48 hours before using it again.
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Use the Check, Clean, Dry method for anything that’s been in the water. That includes boats, kayaks, fishing gear, life jackets, togs, tramping boots and drink bottles.
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If you don’t have enough time to Check, Clean, Dry, use different gear or keep your activities to a single waterway.
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If you spot a freshwater pest, contact the pest and disease hotline or 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).
HOW YOU'LL
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Check, Clean, Dry is the best way to prevent didymo and other freshwater pests from invading your favourite swimming, boating or fishing spot.
Didymo, or ‘rock snot’, as it's delightfully known, was first discovered in New Zealand in 2004. Lindavia and gold clams have also made themselves at home. Once these pests invade a waterway, they’re almost impossible to get rid of. Keeping them out is our best defence.
ARE YOU IN?
It takes everyone to make a difference for nature. Every little bit helps.
NATURE'S IN
TROUBLE
Thousands of our native species are heading towards extinction, but it’s not too late to save them.
All around New Zealand, Kiwis are bringing nature back.
RELATED ACTIONS
If you see a native animal in need of help, or something that’s just not right, call it in.
Prevent chemicals and detergents from washing out to streams and the sea.
Prevent the weed problem from growing.