Horizons reiterates importance of ‘Check Clean Dry’ after gold clams found in Taranaki

Horizons environmental manager Craig Davey says the Whanganui River Clam Response Group is already working together to stop these small and destructive clams getting into our region.
 
“With the weather warming up we know that people will be gearing up to get out on their boats and jet skis and move around the motu,” says Mr Davey.
 
“This is why we are urging people to use the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ method to ensure they’re not transferring any clams across waterways.”
 
Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui Kaihautū, chief executive Nancy Tuaine says the time to act is now, we need to change what we’re doing to protect our environment.
 
“We all have a role in keeping the clams out of our waterways, and we need to take this seriously,” says Ms Tuaine.
 
Mr Davey says human mediated dispersal is the most likely method that introduced gold clams to Lake Rotomanu recently, and this is why we are stressing the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ messaging.
 
“Check – for what is visible, Clean – for what is not visible, and Dry – to be sure.
 
“Everything that touches the water, that includes fishing and boating gear and equipment, swimwear, even the dog, needs to be checked, cleaned and dried. 
 
“MPI’s advice for cleaning includes blasting your gear and craft with tap water onto grass, and for absorbent materials do one of the following:
 

• Soak in hot tap water (50°C to 55°C) for at least 5 minutes, or

• Soak in 5% bleach solution (5-litre mix = 250ml bleach in 4.75 litres water) for an hour, or

• Freeze till solid (overnight), or

• Soak in salt solution at 100ppt (parts per thousand) (5-litre mix = 500g salt in 5 litres warm water) for 4 hours.

 
“It’s also important that both gear and watercraft must be dry to touch both inside and out for 48 hours.
 
“Following this advice ensures any equipment or boats that have been in water don’t bring these clams or other freshwater pests into our region’s waterways,” says Mr Davey
 
“Freshwater gold clams are difficult to control and eradication has never been achieved overseas.
 
“The clams reproduce really fast, forming massive populations which can turn river and lake edges into ‘clam pavements’. They will also clog water-based infrastructure such as electric generation plants, irrigation systems and other water takes. 


“Clams less than a millimetre in size can move between waterways in or on wet equipment.

“We’ve already undertaken surveillance because early detection of the clams provides a greater opportunity of controlling the spread further. We really hope to minimise the impact for our region by not only prevention, but also early detection,” he says. 
 
If you see freshwater gold clams, take a photo, call Biosecurity New Zealand on 0800 80 99 66 or use the online form at report.mpi.govt.nz. Remember to leave the clam where you found it – don’t move it.
 
To find out more about corbicula freshwater clams and what you can do to stop their spread go to the Biosecurity New Zealand website.