Didymo Dave sets his sights on gold clams

Monday, 26 June 2023

“Didymo” Dave Cade is out to stop the spread of invasive gold clams from the Waikato River to Lake Taupō and has some stern words for river and lake users with low “biosecurity IQs”.

Cade said he was disturbed by news the clams had made their way into the river and by reports suggesting they could already be in the lake, but was adamant they could be contained if people did three simple things after using rivers and lakes in the region.

“These clams don’t just get up and moonwalk from lake to lake and jump back in – we are in a people fight to stop transferring them.

“It’s good there’s a lot of awareness out there about these clams but the only way we can stop them spreading is if people ‘check, clean and dry’ their gear – it’s that simple.

“I’d say we don’t have a clam problem, we have a people problem, in trying to make them understand they have to look after the place.”

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) first reported the presence of the highly invasive aquatic pest on May 25 after it was discovered at Bob’s Landing, near Lake Karāpiro, on May 1.

The clams have been in the river for at least two years and have already been found in a water intake pipe at Karāpiro Power Station.

Cade said he could divide people into three groups when it came to what he calls the public’s “biosecurity IQ”.

“The first group are people who say ‘what can I do to stop this’ and that’s what we want people to think about.

“The second group will ask ‘how do you think you’ll stop it?’, but these people think someone else will take responsibility for the problem.

“The third group are the ones who think it’s inevitable and won’t do anything – that’s your real problem group.”

Cade said the situation was similar to when didymo first turned up in New Zealand.

“The only way we can control these pests is by containing them. But we have a biosecurity IQ problem, people just don't understand the implications.

“We all have to do our part, this means it’s everyone’s responsibility … and it’s the low biosecurity IQ group who we are targetting.”

He said the ‘check, clean and dry’ mantra should be second nature for lake and river users by now.

“I'd be gutted if they got into Lake Taupō.

“For me this is massive, these rivers and lakes are in my heart, but it’s up to all of us to look after the golden goose that lays the golden eggs.”