Aquatic Biosecurity
Lagarosiphon major
Yellow Flag Iris
Egeria densa
Exotic Freshwater Clam - Corgold clambicula
Hornwort – Ceratophyllum demersum
Parrots feather – Myriophyllum aquaticum
Lakes Surveillance
Despite the presence of aquatic invasive species in the region, numerous West Coast lakes have outstanding natural value and early detection is vital in managing new incursions.
Each year, West Coast Regional Council, supported by the Department of Conservation, Fish & Game, and Manawa Energy operate a Lakes Surveillance programme, which aims to detect new incursions while they are still at a manageable size. This involves surveying lakes by snorkel, scuba, and environmental DNA.
Annual Lakes Surveillance Reports
West Coast Lakes Surveillance Report 2024
West Coast Lakes Surveillance Report 2023
West Coast Lakes Surveillance Report 2022
West Coast Lakes Surveillance Report 2021
West Coast Lakes Surveillance Report 2019
Check, Clean, Dry Advocacy Program
The West Coast Check, Clean, Dry program aims to raise awareness of freshwater pests threatening our waterbodies in order to prevent the spread of freshwater weeds and pests.
Our main focus is on safeguarding important lakes and waterways, especially those in the Brunner/Moana area and across South Westland.
Of particular concern are freshwater activities such as boating, kayaking, and rafting, which can unknowingly transport these pests between different water bodies.
Check the MPI webpage for info on the national programme
How to Check, Clean, Dry
Check – visible matter
- Remove any visible matter, including any clams you can see, along with plant material or mud. Drain all river or lake water.
Clean – for invasives that are invisible (eg juvenile clams, algae, fish eggs, weed fragments)
- Wash down your gear, vehicle, watercraft, and trailer that has been in contact with river or lake water with tap water onto grass, beside the waterway or at home and not into a stormwater drain system. This will remove any remaining invisible material.
- For absorbent surfaces and materials that have been in contact with river or lake water (including carpet on trailers) use an appropriate treatment
- Treat residual water that always occurs when on-board ballast bladders or tanks have been pumped.
Dry
- Allow gear to dry to touch, inside and out, then leave it to dry for at least 48 hours (2 days) before using again.
- Dry areas inside the watercraft where water has pooled, for example with an old towel, and then leave the craft to dry for at least 48 hours (2 days). The hull of a watercraft will dry when towed.
Marine Biosecurity
Marine pests often ‘hitchhike’ on boats and equipment moving around the country, either from biofouling on boat hulls or from the discharge of ballast and bilge water.
A report by Cawthorn institute in 2021 identified areas where regular pest surveillance should be undertaken due to the ecosystem values and invasion likelihood. These areas have been prioritized for surveillance activities to better understand pest populations in key locations.
Each year Scientific divers will be contracted to complete marine biosecurity surveillance at a key location consisting of a series of seabed transects, a scan of any permanent structures present (wharfs and moorings) and spot checks within the general area. Boat hull surveillance will also be done on any vessels present with occupier permission.
