Key Takeaways
- The Kaipara District Council has decided not to close the Lake Taharoa boat ramp despite the high risk of introducing freshwater gold clams to the lake.
- Northland Regional Council deputy chair Jack Craw is calling for the boat ramp to be closed temporarily until a reliable way of dealing with the clam can be found.
- The introduction of gold clams to the lake could have significant economic and environmental impacts, including blocking intakes and water pumps for Northland farmers.
- A new motorised boat management system is being proposed for the lakes, including a monitored automated gate and QR code system to grant boat access.
- The Northland Regional Council is monitoring six other popular Northland recreation lakes for gold clams and is seeking a Controlled Area Notice (CAN) around the use of Lake Taharoa.
Introduction to the Issue
The Kaipara District Council’s decision not to close the Lake Taharoa boat ramp has sparked concern among local leaders and biosecurity specialists. The lake is considered Northland’s main gold clam entry risk due to the large number of visitors from outside the region, and the introduction of the pest could have significant economic and environmental impacts. Northland Regional Council deputy chair Jack Craw is calling for the boat ramp to be closed temporarily until a reliable way of dealing with the clam can be found.
The Risks Associated with Gold Clams
Freshwater gold clams are a major threat to Northland farmers as they can block intakes and water pumps, causing significant damage to irrigation systems and crops. The clams are also a risk to the region’s ecosystem, and their introduction to the lake could have long-term consequences. The arrival of boats from outside the region to Kai Iwi Lakes over summer coincides with the clam’s breeding season in Waikato, increasing the risk of introduction. Motorised boats pose the biggest spread risk because the pest can linger in motors which still have water in them.
The Kaipara District Council’s Position
The Kaipara District Council has stated that it does not have the authority to close the boat ramp under section 53 (1) of the Reserves Act, and that any such decision could be legally challenged through judicial review. The council has also cited strong community interest in retaining access to Lake Taharoa for recreational boating, and has noted that previous proposals to restrict motorised vessels have generated notable community opposition. However, Craw argues that the council’s decision not to close the boat ramp is surprising given the high risk of introducing the pest.
Proposed Solutions
The Northland Regional Council is proposing a new motorised boat management system for the lakes, including a monitored automated gate and QR code system to grant boat access. The system would require visitors with motorised boats to participate in biosecurity checks and obtain a QR code, which would then be used to grant boat access. The council is also seeking a Controlled Area Notice (CAN) around the use of Lake Taharoa, which would provide a legal framework for managing the risk of introducing the pest.
Monitoring and Enforcement
The Northland Regional Council is monitoring six other popular Northland recreation lakes for gold clams, all in the Far North. The council is also working with local iwi, the Department of Conservation, and other stakeholders to implement biosecurity checks and monitoring at Lake Taharoa. The council’s biosecurity manager, Nicky Fitzgibbon, has stated that the proposed system would strengthen compliance outside current manned biosecurity checkpoint hours at the lake.
Conclusion
The introduction of freshwater gold clams to Lake Taharoa is a significant risk that requires immediate attention. The Northland Regional Council’s proposal for a new motorised boat management system and Controlled Area Notice around the use of Lake Taharoa are important steps towards managing this risk. However, the Kaipara District Council’s decision not to close the boat ramp is a concern, and it is hoped that the council will reconsider its position in light of the high risk of introducing the pest. Ultimately, a collaborative approach between local government, iwi, and stakeholders will be necessary to protect the region’s ecosystem and economy from the risks associated with freshwater gold clams.
