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The invasive algae didymo, commonly known as rocksnot, has been found in the upper Clarence River in Marlborough.
Biosecurity New Zealand said anglers fishing in an area downstream of the Jack's Pass turnoff found suspicious algal growths that were confirmed as didymo.
Biosecurity NZ didymo response manager Chris Bicknell said the find was disappointing and highlighted the need for freshwater users to check, clean and dry all items before moving between waterways to prevent the spread of didymo.
Marlborough District Council senior biosecurity officer Dave Grueber said the Clarence River find increased the potential for river users to spread didymo to other waterways in Marlborough, a region which until now wasn't known to be infected with didymo.
The Department of Conservation is urging people driving on the Rainbow Road through the Molesworth and St James stations to use bridges and not fords to cross creeks on the route that are part of the Clarence catchment.
- NZPA
