Fish & Game New Zealand backs action on wake boats in Waikato

Fish & Game New Zealand is welcoming restrictions on wake boats in the Waikato region to prevent the spread of the invasive gold clam.

Biosecurity New Zealand has issued a new biosecurity rule for wake boats used on a stretch of the Waikato River in a bid to prevent the spread of the pest into other areas.

In August, a report by Biosecurity New Zealand’s Technical Advisory Group identified internal ballast water in boats or the online trade of aquarium animals as possible ways the invasive species spread. Examples of vessels with ballast systems are some wake boats used for water skiing and wakeboarding.

“Fish & Game New Zealand has been calling for some time for a greater focus on ground zero in the Waikato River because that is where the clams are present and we want to avoid ad hoc closures of lakes and rivers across the country,” says Corina Jordan, chief executive of Fish & Game New Zealand.

“We have been working hard behind the scenes with Biosecurity New Zealand and other groups so we’re pleased our concerns have been heard.

“Fish & Game New Zealand has been alarmed for some time about the risk of wake boats spreading the gold clam because there is no known proven method of cleaning the internal tanks and bladders.

“That’s why targeting key potential higher risk transmission pathways, especially in relation to boats with ballast water, is so critical if we are to prevent the spread of the gold clams.”

The Controlled Area Notice (CAN) issued by Biosecurity New Zealand affects all wake boats using the stretch of the Waikato River from the Whakamaru Dam down to the river mouth at Port Waikato.

Wake boats that have been on this controlled stretch must not be used in any other waterways including other parts of the Waikato River outside the controlled area. Wake boats are any craft with an internal tank or bladder that cannot be completely drained.

“Fish & Game recognise the concerns of our wider communities including anglers around the closure of Lake Ōkataina and potential wider closures of significant freshwater bodies in the Rotorua region and further afield,” says Jordan.

“We are hoping the stronger focus on the Waikato River mean communities around the Rotorua lakes region are reassured that the right steps are being taken to reduce the risk of transmission to other valued lakes and rivers.”

“We’d like to thank anglers for their patience over the situation at Lake Ōkataina and continue to urge them and all users to follow the check clean dry guidance and the biosecurity rule.”

The CAN means all recreational river users that have been in the controlled stretch of the river must continue to follow existing clam-specific Check, Clean, Dry requirements for any craft, gear (such as fishing and other equipment used to gather kai) and equipment (including water skis, wakeboards and inflatable pool toys).

Biosecurity New Zealand has established a permanent wash station at Mighty River Domain, Lake Karāpiro. A mobile wash station is also being funded, which can be moved as needed to events and busy locations along the Waikato River.

Signs outlining the new CAN requirements are being installed along the river at about 70 different locations.

More information about the clam and the biosecurity measures can be found at https://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/clam.