Didymo Stakeholder Update - August 2006

DATE 30 August 2006

Didymosphenia geminata (Didymo) Survey

Biosecurity New Zealand’s latest 100 High-Risk Site Didymo Monitoring Survey has been completed with five new detections in the South Island and none in the North Island. All of the new detections are in previously affected catchments or in rivers close by. A find prior to and one just following the survey have also been included.

The detections made were in the Clutha River downstream of the Lake Roxburgh Dam, which followed a find at Beaumont shortly before the survey. While these are the first finds below the Roxburgh Dam, they were not unexpected, given that the Clutha was already known to contain didymo.

Didymo was also detected in the Omarama Stream, near the Omarama Township, close to the previously detected Ahuriri River, and at Hamilton Burn, just north of the previously detected Aparima River.

Didymo was also found in the Mataura River at Black Bridge, near Athol on State Highway 6, and in the Matukituki River at West Wanaka (West Wanaka-Mount Aspiring catchments). These two finds are in new catchments, but close to where didymo has previously been detected.

A find has just today been confirmed in the Eglinton River beside the Milford road.

Scientific Research Results Expected

Biosecurity New Zealand is expecting to receive six scientific studies shortly. These studies cover didymo monitoring, detection, ecology, survival, control and the effects of didymo on trout. These studies are currently being peer-reviewed and will be made available when they are completed.

Check, Clean, Dry Campaign to continue

The ‘check, clean, dry’ behaviour change campaign will be continued this year. The campaign will aim to improve the levels of freshwater river users that are undertaking the appropriate behaviours when moving risk goods between waterways. The programme for this campaign is currently being developed with key Stakeholders and Industry Partners.

Upcoming Meetings

In the coming months, Biosecurity New Zealand staff will be meeting with a number of organisations. It will also be holding long-term management meetings with the Department of Conservation, Iwi, and an Industry representative group. Staff will also be attending a meeting of all North Island Regional Councils to update them on didymo and further explain the strategy and contingency plans in the event of a didymo find in the North Island.

To report a suspected exotic pest or disease, call the Emergency Hotline on 0800 80 99 66.