Key Takeaways:
- The partnership between Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Tūhourangi Tribal Authority, Ngāti Tarawhai Iwi Trust, kāreka Communities Association, Tarawera Ratepayers Association, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, and the Rotorua Lakes Council aims to prevent the spread of invasive freshwater gold clams.
- Boaties are required to "Check, Clean, Dry" their boats to stop the spread of gold clams.
- Gold clams pose a serious and irreversible threat to freshwater ecosystems and can only be prevented, not eradicated.
- The temporary measures at Lake kāreka and potentially Lake Tarawera have raised concerns among Fish & Game New Zealand Eastern Region.
- The community stakeholders are standing firm in their decision to safeguard the lakes and are calling on all lake users to join them in the collective effort.
Introduction to the Gold Clam Threat
The partnership between Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Tūhourangi Tribal Authority, Ngāti Tarawhai Iwi Trust, kāreka Communities Association, Tarawera Ratepayers Association, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, and the Rotorua Lakes Council has been formed to address the threat of invasive freshwater gold clams in the region. The gold clams pose a serious and irreversible threat to freshwater ecosystems, and the only effective way to prevent their spread is through the "Check, Clean, Dry" method. This method requires boaties to check their boats for any signs of gold clams, clean them thoroughly, and dry them before moving to another waterway.
Concerns from Fish & Game New Zealand
Fish & Game New Zealand Eastern Region chief executive Arash Alaeinia has expressed concerns about the limited consultation with Fish & Game prior to the announcement of temporary measures at Lake kāreka and potentially Lake Tarawera. Alaeinia stated that while Lake kāreka is not a major fishing destination at this time of year, anglers will be disappointed at the prospect of restrictions at Lake Tarawera, which is a popular lake for both locals and visitors. Fish & Game takes biosecurity and the health of freshwater fisheries extremely seriously and believes that decisions that affect access for all lake users, including anglers, must be based on sound science and implemented in a way that is proportionate and effective.
Community Response to the Gold Clam Threat
Te Arawa Lakes Trust chairman Wallace Haumaha has stated that the unified community of Rotorua and iwi stand firm in its proactive decision to safeguard the lakes. Haumaha said that the new access controls, which ensure boats are cleaned, checked, and dried, represent a brief adjustment for some, but this short-term pain is an essential investment for the long-term gain of their vibrant, healthy lake ecosystems. The community stakeholders are calling on all lake users to join them in the collective effort to prevent the spread of gold clams, and Haumaha emphasized that everyone’s patience and co-operation will ensure their children and grandchildren can enjoy the pristine beauty and recreational opportunities of the lakes for generations to come.
Prevention Measures and Long-Term Commitment
The community stakeholders are committed to upholding their deep commitment to kaitiakitanga, or guardianship, and are acting with foresight and responsibility to safeguard the lakes. Haumaha said that ignoring the threat of gold clams now would be to gamble with the ecological and economic future of the entire region. The community has already taken steps to prevent the spread of gold clams, including the closure of Lake kataina in 2023 and the installation of a security gate earlier this year. The partnership between the community stakeholders and the local authorities is a long-term commitment to protecting the lakes and ensuring their health and beauty for future generations.
Conclusion and Call to Action
In conclusion, the threat of invasive freshwater gold clams is a serious issue that requires a collective effort to prevent their spread. The partnership between the community stakeholders and the local authorities is a step in the right direction, and the "Check, Clean, Dry" method is an effective way to prevent the spread of gold clams. The community stakeholders are calling on all lake users to join them in the collective effort to safeguard the lakes, and everyone’s patience and co-operation will ensure the long-term health and beauty of the lakes. By working together, we can protect the lakes and ensure their health and beauty for future generations.
