mpi issues a can to protect waikato awa, taupōnuiatia and rotorua lakes
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has issued Controlled Area Notices (CAN) over the Waikato River and Rotorua Lakes. These notices have been issued to prevent the spread of the Golden Clam (Corbicula fluminea).
Waikato Awa CAN Requirements
- All wake boats that have been in the controlled stretch of river must not be used in any other waterways, including parts of Waikato River outside the controlled area.
- Recreational river users that have been in the controlled stretch of the river must continue to follow existing clam-specific Check, Clean, Dry protocols for any craft, gear (such as fishing and other equipment used to gather kai) and equipment (including water skis, wakeboards and inflatable pool toys).
A wake boat is defined as any water-craft with an internal tank or bladder that cannot be completely drained. Wake boats are singled out because there is no satisfactory method of cleaning the bladder tanks inside such vehicles.
This CAN is designed to prevent the Golden Clam from leaving the Waikato River.
Te Arawa Lakes CAN requirements
lake Ōkataina
All boats must be cleaned at a designated wash station in Rotorua before entering the lake. This is in addition to the clam-specific Check Clean Dry requirements. Access to Lake Ōkataina will be controlled. The lake will be open Friday to Sunday between 6.30am and 7pm.
all 14 te arawa lakes
Any boat that has been in the Waikato River in the previous 30 days must be cleaned at a designated wash station before entering the water. This is in addition to the clam-specific Check Clean Dry requirements
These CANs are designed to prevent the Golden Clam from entering the Rotorua Lakes.
For more information on the Golden Clam and these CANs, please use this link here.