Check, Clean, Dry
Hornwort is a highly invasive freshwater pest plant. Photo credit: Bay Of Plenty Regional Council
The Check Clean Dry protocol has been updated and there is now one nationally consistent approach to prevent the spread of invasive freshwater pests and weeds.
Whether you’re boating, pack rafting, fishing, kayaking, whitebaiting, swimming or taking part in water sports, the same Check Clean Dry steps apply for all lakes and rivers across New Zealand.
Key changes include:
- Two new treatment options for absorbent gear such as waders, wetsuits, ropes, lifejackets and felt-soled boots:
- Soak in a 10% dishwashing liquid solution for 10 minutes.
- Soak in a 10% Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner solution for 60 minutes.
- Updated guidance for absorbent gear. Water users should now soak absorbent equipment using an approved treatment method rather than relying on spray treatments.
- Existing treatment options remain available, including hot water and freezing, giving water users more flexibility when cleaning their equipment.
- The updated protocol is based on the latest scientific research and helps prevent the spread of freshwater pests and weeds such as didymo, lagarosiphon and freshwater clams that can hitchhike between waterways on boats, trailers and recreational equipment.
Check
Remove any plant matter from your gear and leave it at the site (the river or lake bank) or put it in the rubbish. Don't wash plant material down any drain.
Clean
Freshwater pests and weeds can survive on wet gear and equipment. Before moving to another waterway, clean all equipment and treat absorbent gear such as waders, felt-soled boots, wetsuits, ropes and lifejackets.
Approved treatment options for absorbent gear:
- Soak in a 10% dishwashing liquid solution for 10 minutes
- Soak in a 10% Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner solution for 60 minutes
- Soak in hot tap water (50°C to 55°C) for at least 5 minutes
- Soak in 5% bleach solution for 60 minutes or 10% bleach solution for 30 minutes
- Freeze until solid.
- Make sure gear is completely dry to touch, inside and out
- Leave dry for at least another 48 hours (after drying), before entering a different waterway.
| Treatment | Mix | Treatment time | Details |
| Dishwashing liquid | 10% solution | Soak for 10 minutes | 10% solution: 5-litre mix = 500ml dishwashing liquid in 4.5 litres of water |
| Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner | 10% solution | Soak for 60 minutes | 10% solution: 5-litre mix = 500ml Simple Green in 4.5 litres of water |
| Hot water | 50°C - 55°C | At least 5 minutes | |
| Bleach solution | 5% bleach solution for 60 minutes 10% bleach solution for 30 minutes. | 5% bleach solution: 5-litre mix = 250ml bleach in 4.75 litres water 10% bleach solution: 5-litre mix = 500ml bleach in 4.5 litres water | |
| Freezing | Until solid | Usually overnight |
Dry
Ensure your gear is completely dry to touch, inside and out, then leave dry for at least another 48 hours before you use it (didymo can survive for months on moist gear).
Treatment by drying:
Drying can be used as stand-alone treatment for non-absorbent items if you take great care to:
- Make sure gear is completely dry to touch, inside and out
- Leave dry for at least another 48 hours (after drying), before entering a different waterway.
Southland Pest Hub
For more information on freshwater pests in Southland and how to identify them check out the Southland Pest Hub.
Legal requirement to clean gear
The South Island remains a controlled area for didymo under the Biosecurity Act. However, invasive freshwater pests and weeds can spread anywhere in New Zealand.
Under the Biosecurity Act 1993, people must not knowingly spread unwanted freshwater pests and weeds.
Before moving to another waterway, always Check, Clean, Dry your gear. Every waterway. Every time.
