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Didymo has been found in Lake Wakatipu, indicating that the invasive algae is continuing to spread.
Queenstown Lakes District harbourmaster Marty Black said didymo, also known as rock snot, was found last week on the eastern side of the lake near Pigeon Island, south of Glenorchy.
He had not yet seen the area because the lake had been too rough, but it was believed to be a 200m stretch.
Usually found in rivers in the Northern Hemisphere, didymo thrives in smooth running water and smothers the riverbed, affecting sources of food for fish.
Mr Black told the Southland Times that despite its prevalence in rivers rather than lakes, the invasive weed was known to grow in lakes in the United States.
"What can you say apart from bugger," he said.
Didymo was first found in rivers in the South Island in 2004. It has not yet been found in the North Island.
- NZPA
