10 years of freedom in the North

This summer marks 10 years of didymo freedom in the North Island and Check, Clean, Dry advocates are encouraging users to make the most of it.

Since being discovered in the South Island 10 years ago, didymo has not established in the North Island. Horizons Regional Council environmental coordinator Craig Davey says regular testing of the Region’s waterways confirms this and in part is due to people adopting simple hygiene behaviour when moving between waterways.

“Check, Clean, Dry was the catchy phrase adopted by government and councils to remind people of the actions we need to take when moving ourselves, our gear, pets and machinery between waterways,” says Mr Davey.

“Didymo, and even weeds and fish, can hitch a ride with our gear and quickly establish in places where they will cause significant damage. This ultimately reduces our enjoyment of our favourite swimming spot or financially hits us when power companies need to screen hydro power station intakes for weeds.”

Mr Davey says many of the Region’s pristine rivers and lakes are home to rare and endangered wildlife. In particular the blue duck, which there are even less of than kiwi, needs pristine water quality to survive and would be severely affected by didymo.

“A heap of effort has gone to protect the blue duck from predators in the Ruahines, upper Whanganui and elsewhere. So thank you to those who Check, Clean, Dry and make it second nature when out there having fun.

“It’s really important that we continue to Check, Clean, Dry and make it a part of ‘what we do’. The easiest way to do this is to remember ‘if it’s wet, it’s a threat’.”

Mr Davey says Horizons Check, Clean, Dry team will be visiting popular summer spots over the next few months and have a number of Hunting and Fishing vouchers to give out to Check, Clean, Dry legends. The team is also happy to attend community events or speak to fishing, tramping and other outdoor and water sports groups.

To find out about Check, Clean, Dry see http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/pests/didymo/cleaning or give Horizons a call on the freephone number 0508 800 800.

ENDS

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