Freshwater Organisms

Freshwater pest plants pose a significant threat to New Zealand’s waterways.

Current Programmes

The MAFBNZ-led National Interest Pest Responses (NIPR) aim to eradicate selected established pests from New Zealand. Several of these species are freshwater pest plants including, hydrilla, salvinia, hornwort, water hyacinth, and marginal aquatics manchurian wildrice and phragmites.

The didymo long-term management programme aims to slow the spread of didymo and other freshwater pest plants throughout New Zealand.

If you believe you've seen any of these unwanted creatures, note the location, take a sample if possible and immediately ring MAF Biosecurity New Zealand's hotline: 0800 80 99 66.

There are a number of things you need to do to protect this environment if you are coming to New Zealand or plan to bring freshwater organisms or products into the country.

Likewise there are practical steps to take to ensure any equipment, for example fishing lines or waders, you may bring into the country is free of contamination.

See the Pest and Diseases List for a complete listing of marine and other pests.

Page last updated: 19 July 2011