Key Takeaways
- Gold clams pose a serious and irreversible threat to freshwater ecosystems, and prevention is the only effective option.
- A meeting of community stakeholders was held to discuss the gold clam threat and potential solutions, including managed boat ramp access and stricter biosecurity measures.
- The Te Arawa Lakes Trust is advocating nationally for stronger biosecurity controls and encouraging all lake users to follow "Check, Clean, Dry" procedures.
- The community is taking a proactive approach to prevent the introduction of gold clams, with warranted officers and volunteers stationed at the main Ōkāreka boat ramp to educate boaters and manage access.
- The goal is to protect not only Ōkāreka but also the entire lake system in the Rotorua area, with a focus on long-term protection and prevention.
Introduction to the Gold Clam Threat
Gold clams are a serious and irreversible threat to freshwater ecosystems, and their introduction to a lake can have devastating consequences. They are most commonly spread by recreational boats moving between waterways, and once established, they cannot be eradicated. This means that prevention is the only effective option, and it is crucial that all stakeholders, including iwi, community groups, councils, and government agencies, work together to protect the lakes.
Community-Led Action
A meeting of community stakeholders was held to discuss the gold clam threat and potential solutions. The meeting was attended by representatives from various groups, including the Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Ōkāreka Communities Association, and Tarawera Ratepayers Association. The priority is the health and wellbeing of all 14 lakes in the Rotorua area, and every decision made has to support the long-term protection of the entire lake system. Options being considered include managed and monitored boat ramp access, prioritizing local use, requiring stricter biosecurity measures for visiting vessels, and increasing education and on-the-ground support.
Immediate Response and Long-Term Solutions
As part of the immediate response, warranted officers and community volunteers will be stationed at the main Ōkāreka boat ramp to educate boaters on rules and regulations and encourage thorough "Check, Clean, Dry" practices before vessels enter the lake. Their role is focused on prevention, education, and ensuring consistent biosecurity behavior over the summer period. In the long term, the coalition agrees that medium and long-term solutions, including stronger national controls, infrastructure improvements, and sustained community education, must remain a priority to keep all Te Arawa lakes protected.
Community Support and Biosecurity Measures
The action to prevent the introduction of gold clams is community-led, with people who live, recreate, and love the lake all wanting the same thing – to keep it healthy for their kids and mokopuna. The Tarawera Ratepayers Association has been supportive, with members understanding that once gold clams arrive, they don’t leave, and acting early is the most cost-effective and sensible approach. A Biosecurity Controlled Area Notice remains in place over the Te Arawa (Rotorua) lakes to mitigate the risks from gold clams, and all boat users must be aware of their responsibilities and take them seriously.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The meeting of community stakeholders was constructive, with all participants contributing their views. The goal is to protect not only Ōkāreka but also the entire lake system in the Rotorua area, with a focus on long-term protection and prevention. The Te Arawa Lakes Trust will continue to advocate nationally for stronger biosecurity controls, and all lake users are encouraged to follow "Check, Clean, Dry" procedures every time they move between waterways. With the community taking a proactive approach to prevent the introduction of gold clams, there is hope that the lakes can be protected for future generations.