Didymo in New Zealand

In 2004 Didymosphenia geminata, a diatom commonly known as didymo or rock snot,[1] was discovered in New Zealand, the first time it was found in the Southern Hemisphere.

All items, such as boats, fishing gear, clothing, and vehicles, that have been in a stream, river or lake, must be cleaned before they enter another waterway.

The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research identified the algae as Didymosphenia geminata and confirmed that it is New Zealand's first documented detection.

In October 2007, dead didymo cells were found in routine water samples from the Whanganui, Tongariro, Whakapapa rivers, and the Mangatepopo Stream in the central North Island, with MAF suspecting further contamination.

If you find clumps later don't wash them down the drain, treat them with the approved methods below, dry them and put them in a rubbish bin.