Local boaties heading to Waikato this summer are being urged to Check Clean Dry to help keep the exotic freshwater clam out of Taranaki.
Corbicula
The invasive freshwater clam, also known as Corbicula, was discovered in the Waikato River in 2023 and is known to be in Lake Karapiro – a popular summer destination for water sports.
There is no indication it has yet spread outside the Waikato River and Biosecurity Taranaki chair Willy Harvey wants to keep it that way.
“The stakes are high as this clam has the potential to be disastrous for Taranaki. If it were to become established in one of our lakes or rivers it would be virtually impossible to remove so people really need to take this seriously.”
The clams are prolific breeders, able to produce up to 70,000 juveniles a year. They can clog water-based infrastructure, such as electricity generation plants, irrigation systems and water treatment plants. They also compete with native species for food and space.
Any water users moving from the controlled stretch of the Waikato River (Whakamaru Dam to the river mouth at Port Waikato) must follow strict Check Clean Dry procedures for all watercraft, gear or clothing that has contacted river water.
Taranaki Regional Council Biosecurity Programme Lead Lisa Hardegger says the Check Clean Dry message has been around a while but has never been more important for Taranaki.
“As well as the freshwater clam we have a threat right here in the region. Three South Taranaki lakes – Lakes Herengawe, Rotorangi and Mangawhio – are known to contain hornwort, an aquatic weed that can smother and outcompete native plant communities, as well as impeding recreational access to lakes.
“If you’re moving from any of those lakes into another lake or river, please Check, Clean, Dry to prevent hornwort spreading.”
This means checking everything that has been in contact with water, including boat trailers, wetsuits and lifejackets, for weeds or clams.
“Get into the nooks and crannies as it only takes a tiny fragment or clam to stow away and potentially cause havoc.”
Clean gear with tap water onto grass, not a stormwater system or drain. Absorbent materials can be cleaned with hot water, bleach or salt.
For more about the exotic freshwater clam and how to Check Clean Dry click here(external link).