Didymo Biosecurity Alert

Anglers are asked to help prevent the spread of didymo (rock snot) and other organisms in New Zealand fishing waters by always checking, cleaning and drying their equipment when moving items between waterways, including those where didymo has not been detected.

In addition, all used freshwater fishing equipment brought into New Zealand must be clean and completely dry.

For details of how to effectively clean fishing tackle and boots (including felt-soled boots) please see What Anglers Can Do to Prevent Didymo.

What Anglers Can Do to Prevent Didymo

Heavy penalties apply

Note that it is an offence to knowingly spread didymo. Penalties of a 5 year prison sentence or fine of up to $100,000 apply.

Where didymo has been found

Areas identified as being affected by didymo as of 21 Decenber 2007 include:

the Tasman

Controls

  MAF controls on entry into New Zealand

To slow the spread of the invasive alga didymo, in New Zealand waterways, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand requires all used freshwater fishing equipment brought into New Zealand to be clean and dry.

From mid-October 2007 MAFBNZ’s Import Health Standard for Equipment associated with  Animals or Water requires MAFBNZ staff to treat all used freshwater fishing equipment they determine or suspect is not completely dry inside and out), regardless of whether it has been cleaned before coming to New Zealand.

Affected most will be felt-soled waders and boots. Recent research has revealed these items pose a particularly highrisk of spreading didymo as they are likely to come into direct physical contact with didymo cells (e.g., stepping on or brushing against algal mats) and the thick, absorbent and slow-drying nature of the material encourages cell survival increasing the risk of spread between waterways.

MAFBNZ is working with the tourism industry and fishing groups/operators to ensure anglers coming to New Zealand are aware of the updated standard and the reasons for it.

  SouthIsland

The entire South Island has been declared a controlled area. Any items that have been in contact with water from South Island rivers, streams or waterways must be treated in the prescribed manner (see below) before being taken outside the South Island.

  Fiordland National Park

Special conditions apply in the Fiordland National Park. From 1 November 2006 to 26 April 2007 any person wanting to fish on Fiordland rivers must obtain a special authorisation called “Fiordland Rivers Controlled Fishery Licence” from Fish and Game. This licence must be applied for at least five days prior to the trip. All gear is required to be cleaned  at an approved cleaning station within 48 hours of departure. A a map showing the controlled areas is available in a pdf document on the DOC website.
These fishing controls require you to hold:
1) a current full season Sports Fishing Licence,
2) a Fiordland Rivers Controlled Fishery Licence and;
3) a Clean Gear Certificate.

  Te Waikoropupu Springs Closed

The waters of Te Waikoropupu Springs were closed to fishing and other contact recreation from January 2007 to prevent the introduction of the invasive alga Didymo (Didymosphenia geminata) and other aquatic pests. The ban on contact applies to all waters within the Pupu Springs Scenic Reserve including the Main Springs, Dancing Sands Pool, Fish Creek and the Springs River.

For more information

What Anglers Can Do To Prevent Didymo outlines what anglers can and must do to ensure they don't spread didymo

See press releases from Fish & Game about the used of felt-soled boots:
- Press Release, 29 January 2007
- Press Release, 7 December 2006

In the News has summaries and links to recent news items relating to didymo spread and control.

Info from Biosecurity New Zealand

The Biosecurity New Zealand website has:

• a zoomable map of the affected areas (If you find didymo elsewhere, please call Biosecurity New Zealand on freephone 0800 80 99 66.)
• instructions on cleaning methods for fishing equipment, waders, clothing, boats, vehicles and tyres
• more information about didymo including photos and factsheets.
• impact reports
• regular stakeholder updates: see the January 2008 update  and the April 2008 update as pdf files
• research reports from the didymo science/technical programme

Info from Fish & Game

The Fish & Game website has one-page information sheets:

• Didymo: Stop the Spread  (pdf file)
• Don't Spread Didymo (pdf file)