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April 30 2012

Don’t spread unwanted freshwater pests this hunting season

With duck shooting season starting on Saturday 5 May, Otago Regional Council (ORC) and the Ministry for Primary Industries are reminding Otago hunters to clean their equipment as they move between waterways to avoid the spread of unwanted freshwater pests.

ORC director regional services Jeff Donaldson said: “Unwanted freshwater pests such as didymo, and lagarosiphon pose a serious threat to our rivers, streams, and lakes. Once in a waterway, these pests can disperse rapidly and destroy its environmental, recreational, and aesthetic values.”

“We are asking hunters moving between waterways to Check, Clean, Dry any equipment that has come into contact with river or lake water – particularly boots,” Mr Donaldson said.

“Some freshwater pests, like didymo, are microscopic and can be spread by a single drop of water. Even if you can’t see these dangerous pests, you could be spreading them.”

Mr Donaldson said people should check items before leaving a waterway and leave behind any debris they find.

Everything should then be cleaned for at least a minute with a five percent solution of biodegradable dishwashing solution – or one tablespoon of detergent per 250ml.

Water absorbent materials such as boots need to be soaked for longer to allow thorough saturation.

Mr Donaldson said following these simple procedures would help slow the spread of freshwater pests like didymo throughout New Zealand waterways.
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