Anglers Given Check, Clean Dry Reminder

Eastern Region Fish & Game has issued a strong ‘Check, Clean, Dry (CCD)’ reminder to anglers, after a number of Rotorua streams opened to fishing.

Streams feeding into Lake Rotorua which opened on December 1 include the upper Ngongotaha, Utuhina, and Waiteti streams.

Eastern Region Fish & Game Manager Rob Pitkethley is urging anglers to remember to check their equipment after a fishing trip to help prevent the spread of pest fish and aquatic weeds.

He says the ‘check, clean, dry’ message applies widely - to both boats and trailers and personal gear such as waders. “The Ngongotaha Stream gets over 11,000 visits a year from anglers – more than most lakes – and about 20% of anglers are from outside the district.”

“Rotorua’s lakes and streams are free from problem pest fish and some aquatic weeds so there’s a real risk of anglers coming from places like the Waikato, where pest fish like koi carp and catfish are prevalent.”

The recent discovery of Aeromonas bacteria in a trout hatchery in the South Island is another wake up call, he adds, as a disease which can be transferred from one fish species to another.

“It underlines the need for continued vigilance. This disease, along with didymo (‘rock snot’) can be prevented from spreading north if anglers and other freshwater users take personal responsibility and follow the Check, Clean, Dry process.”

Fish & Game Officers have spent recent weeks improving tracks and access to the upper streams which opened on December 1. The work has involved clearing debris like old logs and fallen trees to give anglers more water to fish.

ENDS

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