Didymo

Didymo (rock snot)

Didymo, or rock snot, is an invasive Northern Hemisphere alga that was first discovered in South Island waters in 2004. It is not yet known to be in the North Island.

It can be spread easily, with a single cell in a drop of water able to start a new colony when released into a different waterway.

"What's important to realise is that didymo cells are impossible to see, so you don't know whether they're in your gear or not,"

Check Clean Dry

When moving between waterways, we are encouraged to

• Check equpment for any debris and leave it at the site.
• Clean all equpment with detergent, bleach or hot water.
• Dry equipment and do not use it for 48 hours.

All items should be cleaned for at least one minute with a 5% solution of dishwashing liquid or nappy cleaner, dried to the touch and left for another 48 hours before use in another waterway.