Kaimanawa backcountry still didymo free

Date:  04 April 2013

Relief is awash after negative test results for didymo have come back from a sample of a recent algae bloom from the Ngaruroro River which lies within the Kaimanawa Forest Park and borders the Kaweka Forest Park. A sample was taken immediately for urgent testing following the suspected didymo report and photos from a concerned hunter.  

The Ngaruroro River is a good example of New Zealand’s picturesque clean freshwater rivers and provides excellent fishing for anglers who seek the solitude of back country wilderness fishing. The Kaimanawa mountain ranges are the headwaters to the tributaries that flow into Lake Taupo making up the Taupo Fishery. Trampers and hunters who are crossing waterways need to be diligent with cleaning their tramping boots with the approved Check Clean Dry methods so as to prevent the spread of freshwater pests between rivers and lakes, and to protect our precious local fishery. 

If you ever suspect didymo please take photos and report it immediately to the biosecurity hotline 0800 809 966. Better still, become a good conservationist and aquaint yourself with the easy cleaning steps to prevent the spread of freshwater pests on the Ministry for Primary Industries website. 

Didymo is an unwanted freshwater alga that has spread through the south island and up to the last test has not been detected in the north island. The Check Clean Dry method also prevents the spread of other freshwater pests such as Lagarosiphon or hornwort.

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