Freshwater Organisms

New Zealand's rivers, lakes and waterways are as vulnerable as any other part of our environment to unwanted organisms.

The current campaign to control the spread of the invasive Didymo weed graphically demonstrates the scale of the threat.

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.

Aside from the current Didymo campaign, the main freshwater threats which MAF Biosecurity NZ is currently focused on are:

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

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

Page last updated: 10 September 2009