Lake weed invasion a worry
Concerns have been raised over the potential for swimmers to spread damaging pest weeds into Lake Taupo.
The issue was raised again after a swimmer taking part in the Epic Swim event two weeks ago, entered the lake without following the required rule of dipping his wetsuit in a solution first. He had previously been swimming in Lake Wakatipu, which is infested with Lake Snow.
Lake Snow is a mucus forming algae that clogs water filters, fouls fishing lines and boats and clings to swimmers.
Ngati Tuwharetoa asked all competitors to make sure they did a wet suit dip - the same protocol for every event held in Lake Taupo.
‘‘We are very disappointed and concerned these species may have been transferred,’’ DoC freshwater threats ranger, Brenda Lawson, said.
‘‘Testing for these species will take place in the near future.’’
Lawson set up the wet suit check at the event and was helped by volunteer - and Lake Taupo protector - ‘Didymo Dave’ [Dave Cade]’.
‘‘We have to expect that every now and then there is going to be human error,’’ Cade said.
He said the next step was to ascertain whether it was a mistake or an ‘attitude’.
‘‘He did know about the check, clean, dry but he was remorseful about what he had done and that he knew he had made a mistake,’’ Didymo Dave said. ‘‘We don’t think he will do it again.’’ No action will be taken against the swimmer but it was hoped the incident would raise awareness of the issue.
The Check, Clean, Dry campaign began in the early 2000s in response to the introduction of didymo in New Zealand.
Since then, it has evolved to include all invasive species including algae, weeds and fish. Waikato Regional Council records show many algae exist in Lake Taupo¯ . Some are native and others have been introduced at various times through recorded history.
The Epic Swim event organisers supported the Check, Clean, Dry message and made sure it was noticeable during the event.