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Waders the major risk for transferring didymo to Tasmania
During the first week of December IFS director John Diggle attended a forum on didymo hosted by Biosecurity New Zealand and Meridian Energy in Christchurch, New Zealand. The forum was also attended by Hydro Tasmania as the didymo issue is a very serious threat to hydro electric facilities as well as being a major threat to our trout fishery and the environment. The various mechanisms of transport of didymo were discussed in detail and waders have been identified as the most significant risk. In particular felt-soled waders have been identified as the highest risk for transferring didymo given their sponge like ability to pick up and expel material.
During the first week of December IFS director John Diggle attended a forum on didymo hosted by Biosecurity New Zealand and Meridian Energy in Christchurch, New Zealand. The forum was also attended by Hydro Tasmania as the didymo issue is a very serious threat to hydro electric facilities.
The various mechanisms of transport of didymo were discussed in detail and waders have been identified as the most significant risk. In particular felt-soled waders have been identified as the highest risk for transferring didymo given their sponge like ability to pick up and expel material.
The threat of didymo is very real as are the consequences of its introduction to Australia. Anglers can help reduce the likelihood of transfer of this noxious algae by not using waders in Australia that have been used overseas. Washing all fishing gear with detergent before returning from overseas destinations (particularly New Zealand and the USA) should also be given top priority by all travelling anglers.
