Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) biosecurity team has welcomed two new summer ambassadors, who will be visiting Otago’s lakes and rivers and keeping freshwater pests and water safety front of mind these holidays.

“Freshwater pests like lagarosiphon and didymo can spread very easily between waterways on people’s vessels and equipment,” ORC biodiversity community coordinator Freddie Paz said. 

Notice: RED ALERT! No swimming at The Camp - Lake Hāwea

“However, if we can encourage boaties, kayakers, paddle boarders, jet skiers and other visitors to take a few simple steps, we can help prevent the spread.”

ORC ambassadors Kyra Martyn and Jimmy Daamen will be based out of ORC's Cromwell office through to mid-February 2025 and visiting various spots across Otago’s lakes and rivers talking to water users about freshwater pests and the Check, Clean, Dry programme. 

The ambassadors will also support ORC’s harbourmaster team across Otago encouraging people to be safe on Otago’s waterways over the holidays. 

Kyra has a keen interest in freshwater field work and pest management and graduated with a BSc in Ecology and Zoology in 2023. Jimmy graduated with a BSc in Environmental Management and Politics in 2023 and is currently working toward an MSc Geography specialising in Coastal Dune Biogeography. 

“The ambassadors also collect information through a survey to help us identify how new pests might reach Otago,” Freddie said. “This year is the first year that they will also talk to people about our on-water safety programme… which the harbourmaster team is running.” 

Lagarosiphon at Lake Dunstan. PHOTO: Clare Toia-Bailey

He said the spread of freshwater pests is the biggest risk to Otago waterways.

“Freshwater pests, specifically lagarosiphon, could squeeze the life out of our country's most precious rivers and lakes. They can be spread by a single drop of water or by the smallest plant fragment.”

Freshwater gold clams are a new pest to New Zealand. They reproduce rapidly and form large populations that can compete with native freshwater species. People are encouraged to take a photo and report any sightings of freshwater gold clams in Otago by phoning ORC on 0800 474 082, or completing the online reporting form. 

Find out more about freshwater pests in Otago, keeping safe on and in the water, and other summer safety messaging here.