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People are being asked to keep out of Te Waikoropupu Springs in Golden Bay following the discovery of the invasive algae didymo in Takaka River.
Didymo, also known as rocksnot because of its slimy appearance, was discovered in October 2004 in Southland rivers and has since spread to other South Island rivers.
Following an announcement it had reached Takaka River, the Department of Conservation (DOC) yesterday called on people to stay out of the "internationally important" springs.
Didymo covers rocks and tree stumps in river systems, smothering invertebrates, which are the main food source of fish.
