Lake snow-related algae in Lakes Taupō and Rotoaira

A fishing line contaminated with lake snow. Photo / Fish & Game New Zealand

Fish & Game New Zealand is urging outdoors enthusiasts to check, clean and dry their angling and hunting equipment to help combat the North Island spread of the algae which causes lake snow.

Last week the news broke that the microscopic algae Lindavia intermedia which causes lake snow is present in Lake Taupō and Lake Rotoaira.

There are already protocols in place to prevent the spread of didymo (known as rock snot).

The microscopic algae has been found in the Waikato and Manawatū-Whanganui regions for the first time. It was known to be in Lake Waikaremoana in 2008, and is now known to be in the Moawhango River and possibly Lake Moawhango.

Fish & Game spokesperson Don Rood says as far as aquatic threats go, the horse has not bolted, but it is important to prevent further spread.

"For the sake of kaitiakitanga it is our duty to continue to clean, check and dry all equipment to protect against future aquatic weeds and organisms."

In its diatom form, Lindavia intermedia can produce lake snow, which is found in Lake Wanaka and Lake Wakatipu. It is sticky and looks like strands of mucus or slime hanging under the water.

In the South Island lakes, lake snow may be found as slime on fishing gear, on boat hulls, wetsuits and swimmers may notice slime clinging to them. In Wanaka and Queenstown it has clogged filters on boats, washing machines and shower heads.

A media release from Waikato Regional Council states that there is currently no known impact from Lindavia intermedia on the health of the Lakes Taupō and Rotoaira, and they are keen to understand what causes it to produce lake snow.