'Snot' campaign targets river users

Recreational users of Taranaki's rivers and streams are again getting the "check clean dry" message this summer.

The message is central to an annual awareness and education drive aimed at helping to prevent the arrival of "rock snot", or didymo, in the region, and to help prevent the spread of other aquatic weeds.

The didymo algae creates thick layers of brown snotty gunk which covers streambeds and rocks and threatens stream life. It has already become established in the South Island.

To prevent its spread, river users are urged to "check, clean and dry" their equipment after they have been in a waterway. A Taranaki Regional Council officer is to visit popular freshwater recreation sites over summer to bring this message to swimmers, anglers, kayakers, boaties and others who enjoy the region's rivers and streams.

Such didymo education campaigns are conducted by regional councils around the country over summer in partnership with MAF Biosecurity NZ.

Didymo was discovered in South Island waters in 2004. It is not yet known to be in the North Island. It attaches itself to streambeds by stalks and can form large mats on the bottom of streams, rivers and even lake edges.

Thick, ugly growths can adversely affect freshwater fish, plant and invertebrate species. It can be spread easily, with a single cell in a drop of water able to start a new colony if released into a different waterway.

"What's important to realise is that didymo cells are impossible to see, so you don't know whether they're in your gear or not," says the Taranak Regional Council's Director-Operations, Rob Phillips. "So it's vital to follow the 'check, clean, dry' procedure."

People leaving streams, rivers and lakes are urged to:

•     Check equipment for any debris and leave it at the site.
•     Clean all equpment with detergent, bleach or hot water.
•     Dry equipment and do not use it for 48 hours.

All items should be cleaned for at least one minute with a 5% solution of dishwashing liquid or nappy cleaner, dried to the touch and left for another 48 hours before use in another waterway. If this is not possible, restrict their use to one waterway.

Absorbent items require extra treatment, either with prolonged soaking in water heated to 45 degrees or above, or by being frozen solid. People who hold fishing licences are banned from using felt-soled waders or wading boots when angling for sports fish such as trout. The ban applies throughout New Zealand, including the Taupo fishery.

The Taranaki education campaign will involve personal approaches to river users and sessions with organizations such as clubs. It will continue until late March.

The Taranaki Regional Council is part of a Regional Didymo Group that also includes the Department of Conservation, Taranaki Fish and Game and Trust Power.

Information and detergent spray bottles are available at sports shops.

Clubs and other organizations wanting to organize didymo education sessions can call the Taranaki Regional Council on 06 765 7127.

For more information, see www.trc.govt.nz/didymo-rock-snot-.