31 October 2006
Close the gate before the algae bolts - Greens
The North Island's Rangitikei River should be immediately closed until it is confirmed whether or not it has been
contaminated with the didymo algae, the Green Party says.
Biosecurity Spokesperson Metiria Turei says Biosecurity New Zealand should err on the side of caution to prevent any
further chance of this pest spreading.
"There's no point closing the gate after the algae has bolted.
"Didymo has proven that it is able to spread very quickly so we must not sit on our hands awaiting the results of tests.
The Rangitikei must be closed as a precautionary measure. If it is turns out that the algae found is in fact didymo then
we may well have prevented it spreading further.
"This scare is a timely reminder that with summer approaching we should be upping the ante against this invader. It has
already made itself at home in many South Island rivers and with more boaties and fishers out and about in the warmer
weather tougher measures should be put in place.
"The current 'spot checks' of fishing gear and boats at Picton could still be allowing this pest to cross the Cook
Strait. This measure should be increased over summer to ensure that all that type of equipment is scrutinised and
cleaned if necessary.
"Until a more permanent solution is found, the only defence we have is to contain this pest to prevent any further
damage to our environment," Mrs Turei says.
ENDS