Didymo 100% unpure

This map from Biosecurity New Zealand of Infected waterways in the South Island. You will have to zoom it up to see it clearly. The areas in blue have been confirmed to have Didymo. This Alga is already having a serious impact on our tourist industry. 100% pure New Zealand huh?

FAQ on Didymo from Bio Security.

The image (left) shows the Waitaha and Kakapotahi river. Biosecurity New Zealand has confirmed that this stunning river is infected with the Alga Didymo (otherwise known as rock snot). This highly invasive alga is rapidly spreading through rivers in the South Island and apparently cannot be stopped. 2 other rivers on the West Coast are infected and they are the Haast & Buller Rivers. Many others here and elsewhere in the South Island are at immediate risk.

Update September 08.

Futher rivers on the West Coast have been confirmed as having been infected with Didymo. They are the Hokitika River at the fabulous Hokitika Gorge, Arahura, Waitahu and the Inangahua

Rivers 100% choked!

Gorse was brought to New Zealand by early settlers to this country for hedging. It has become one of this countries most successful invasive species. It is a dense, spiny, much branched menace. It likes an acid soil and the West Coast has plenty of that. It is extremely difficult to eradicate. Here it overruns the beautiful Greenstone river in Westland.

Photos on this page taken by Unpure New Zealand copyright©2007unpure New Zealand

 

 

 

"The 100% Pure New Zealand brand does establish a level of expectation among potential visitors that New Zealand's natural environment will be clean and well cared for. Government, and our tourism agencies, recognize the importance of the natural environment in fulfilling New Zealand's marketing promise. This creates an incentive for all of New Zealand to take action to ensure we live up to the 100% Pure New Zealand promise."

Damien O'Connor, New Zealands Minister of Tourism
In reply to us 4 Dec 2007

Rivers in Peril

Waitaha River Didymo

Invasive Gorse chokes the Greenstone River

gorse chokes greenstone river

 

More Rivers

| Willow Invasions |Gorse Invasions | Hydro Schemes |