Friday 15 September 2006

Copeland: Didymo breakthrough great news!

United Future MP Gordon Copeland has expressed his delight that there has been a breakthrough in the fight against didymo.

Scientists from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) say they may have discovered a solution to the didymo problem. Dr Barry Biggs from NIWA says a copper-based compound has been found to be toxic to didymo.

But he says more tests need to be done to ensure it doesn't have an adverse effect on other flora and fauna.

"This is obviously a significant step in the right direction," said Mr Copeland

"Didymo is a threat to all our rivers and freshwater ecosystems and has been particularly noticeable in South Island rivers such as the Buller and Wairau.

"I congratulate NIWA for this discovery and hope that the results of this research can determine a long-lasting solution to the didymo problem.

"It is very encouraging to know that New Zealand is once again at the forefront of this kind of scientific research. Other parts of the world have been dealing with didymo for decades yet have not come any nearer to a solution.

"My hope is that we can build on this and rid our rivers of this noxious pest once and for all," concluded Mr Copeland.

ENDS

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