It was announced recently in the Waikato Herald that a multi-agency partnership will see new methods and research approaches trialled for the control of the pest fish koi carp in Waikato waterways.

Koi are an introduced noxious pest that breed prolifically and are found in lakes, rivers and streams across the Waikato. Koi churn up sediment to impact water quality, eat native aquatic plants species, and compete with indigenous fish for food.

The new project, focused on several lakes that are part of the Waikato River system, sees the Department of Conservation partner with Te Riu o Waikato, Waikato Regional Council and Waikato River Authority.

P.L.U.G. (Primary Land Users Group) has spent much time and effort lobbying and trying to get programs put in place to eradicate Koi Carp. We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Tawera Nikau and his Iwi Te Riu o Waikato for their success in getting the Waikato River Authority to finally commit to backing a control program for Koi Carp (the biggest threat to water quality and indigenous bio-diversity in the Waikato River catchment).

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