Didymo Found In Takaka

The invasive algae didymo has been confirmed in the Takaka River in the Nelson region, Biosecurity New Zealand’s Incursion Response Manager David Hayes said today.

“While this find is disappointing it highlights the need for all water users to be extra vigilant this summer.

“It is a timely reminder that all rivers need to be treated as though they could be infested with didymo. “All fresh water river users need to Check, Clean, Dry every time they leave a waterway,” Mr Hayes says.

To date, the North Island and much of the South Island remains free of the alga. Biosecurity New Zealand in conjunction with Regional Councils, Fish and Game and the Department of Conservation have staff on waterways informing everyone about didymo and explaining the simple cleaning regime that can be used to slow its spread.

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