Rotorua’s Lake Ōkataina will be open on weekends at set times as new biosecurity protections against the spread of invasive freshwater gold clams came into effect for Te Arawa lakes today.
A new designated wash station at a commercial site needs to be used, at a cost of $5 to $10, and an online form will also have to be completed before entering the lake.
A Ministry for Primary Industries spokesperson said Biosecurity New Zealand was actively working with iwi and work continued to progress on a wash station at Lake Ōkataina.
It said the information it initially gave - that the commercial wash station replaced plans for a temporary one at Lake Ōkataina - was incorrect.
Ngāti Tarāwhai Iwi Trust chairman Cyrus Hingston said he believed “our voice has been heard” after its call for protections on the lake helped spur authorities into action. .
Gold clams, also known as Asian clams, eat the plankton on which most native species survive, reproduce rapidly and can clog infrastructure in the water.
Eradication has never been achieved overseas but efforts have begun to stop the clams spreading from Waikato, where they were first found in New Zealand.
Biosecurity NZ deputy director-general Stuart Anderson said Lake Ōkataina would partially reopen to boaties from Fridays to Sundays from 6.30am to 7pm.
Boaties must clean their boats and trailers at the designated wash station in Rotorua on the same day as entering the water, heading directly to the lake after cleaning.
The station is at The Wash Place, a commercial facility at 338 Te Ngae Rd. There would be a cost of $5 to $10 depending on the cycle chosen, paid for with debit or credit cards, or coins.
Ngāti Tarāwhai Iwi Trust chairman Cryus Hingston at Lake Ōkataina in September. Photo / Andrew Warner
Boaties also have to complete an online form – via a QR code or website provided at the wash station – to prove they had completed the required wash-down before they could enter the lake.
Before entering any Te Arawa lake, boaties who have been on the Waikato River within 30 days will be required to clean their boats at the same wash station.
The new measures are in addition to the clam-specific Check Clean Dry requirements for any boats that have been in the Waikato River.
Signs outlining these requirements will be at Lake Ōkataina and all other affected lakes soon.
Anderson said the protection for Lake Ōkataina was stronger because it was of cultural significance to Ngāti Tarāwhai.
“Extensive surveillance” showed measures to stop the spread had been successful.
He thanked anglers and boaties for their patience, and Fish & Game, Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Ngāti Tarāwhai Iwi and the local council for support and assistance with implementing the new Controlled Area Notice (CAN) requirements.
Information on lake status can be found via Rotorua Lakes Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Te Arawa Lakes Trust.
Biosecurity NZ is working through options for further measures to stop the spread of the freshwater gold clams in Waikato and Bay of Plenty, including making additional wash stations available.
Hingston said that, as the lake’s traditional owners, Ngāti Tarāwhai fully supported the requirements for watercraft and equipment last used in the Waikato River to be thoroughly checked, cleaned and dried at the new wash station.
“It has been a very busy month working alongside the Crown, local government, iwi and community organisations to come up with these new measures and procedures.”
There was always more to do to protect the precious taonga’s well-being and health now and for future generations, but he said the iwi’s voice was heard.
“We are grateful to everyone for their understanding and patience as we’ve worked through our genuine concerns regarding the biosecurity risks posed by golden clams.
“It will take all of us to protect our taonga for the next generation, so I urge everyone who plans to use a watercraft on Lake Ōkataina when it opens to rigorously abide by the new legal requirements.”
Check, clean and dry
Before moving between waterways you must do the following for all gear that comes into contact with water:
Check
Remove any plant matter and leave it at the site (the river or lake bank), or put it in the rubbish. Don’t wash it down any drain.
Dishwashing detergent is not effective against gold clams, but hot water is.
For absorbent material, such as lifejackets or clothing, wash with hot water above 60C for at least 1 minute; between 50-54C (hot household tap water) for at least 5 minutes; or above 45C for at least 20 minutes. Alternatively, soak items in a 10 per cent bleach solution.
Dry
Ensure gear is completely dry to touch, inside and out, then leave to dry for at least another 48 hours before using it.
Source: mpi.govt.nz
This story has been updated. Ministry for Primary Industries clarified that the commercial wash station will not replace plans for a temporary station.
