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The invasive algae didymo has been found in the
Cobb River in Kahurangi National Park.
The Department of Conservation says it is concerned
it could be spread to more rivers in the park and might impact on
endangered native whio/blue ducks.
The didymo cells have been found in samples
taken from the Cobb River near Trilobite Hut in Golden Bay in a
DOC didymo survey. DOC intends to carry out further sampling to
determine the extent of the spread of didymo in the Cobb River catchment.
The department and MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
are reminding people to ‘Check, Clean, and Dry’ their
gear between waterways to prevent the spread of didymo to other
rivers in the national park and elsewhere.
DOC Acting Golden Bay Area Manager, Hans Stoffregen,
said the find of didymo in the
Cobb River within Kahurangi National Park was very disappointing
and concerning.
“Kahurangi National Park has beautiful, pristine rivers that
we would not want to see blighted by didymo. These rivers provide
habitat for our unique native aquatic flora and fauna. Whio live
on a number of rivers in the park and we are particularly concerned
about the potential impact of didymo on whio if didymo gets into
those rivers.
“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.
“Kahurangi has a number of popular fishing
rivers, including the Cobb. We are appealing to people fishing or
carrying out other activities in the park’s rivers, particularly
the Cobb River, to make sure they ‘Check, Clean and Dry’
their gear between waterways.
“Trampers are asked to avoid contact with
the Cobb River water and as the track runs
alongside it they won’t need to cross it. If any boots, socks
or other gear are put in the river then these should be cleaned
afterwards using ‘Check, Clean and Dry’ procedures before
being put in any other waterway. Wherever possible, trampers should
use bridges to cross waterways.
“People recreating in Kahurangi National
Park have an essential role to play in preventing the spread of
didymo within the park and helping to protect the park’s pristine
rivers, freshwater biodiversity and native blue ducks.”
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand didymo response
manager Chris Bicknell said the find
highlighted the need for every fresh waterway user, no matter where
they are, to ‘Check, Clean and Dry’ their gear between
waterways.
“Individual water way users have a crucial
role in slowing the spread of didymo and other aquatic pests. ‘Check,
Clean, and Dry’ is our best defence. |
