Tue Sep 24 03:13:53 UTC 2024: ## Invasive Gold Clams Threaten Whanganui River: Urgent Action Needed to Prevent Biosecurity Disaster
**Whanganui, New Zealand** – A coalition of iwi, councils, and government agencies is uniting to combat the threat of invasive gold clams (Corbicula fluminea) in the Whanganui River catchment. The highly invasive freshwater species poses a significant risk to the river’s ecosystem, economy, and cultural heritage.
Scientists warn that if the gold clam establishes itself in the Whanganui River, it could lead to irreversible damage. These clams are prolific breeders, able to produce thousands of offspring per year, and they outcompete native species for resources, potentially disrupting the delicate balance of the river’s ecosystem.
“If it gets here, it’s too late,” said Nancy Tuaine, leader of the iwi river entity Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui. “Once it’s here, it’s too significant to try to control or stop it.”
The gold clam, native to East and Southeast Asia, was recently discovered in the Waikato River catchment. Its ability to survive out of water for two days and attach to various surfaces means it can easily be transported on boats, gear, and even wetsuits.
Horizons Regional Council’s biodiversity and biosecurity manager, Craig Davey, emphasizes the importance of preventing the spread of the clam. “What we can do is stop it from spreading from where it is to somewhere else,” Davey said. “If these clams get into another waterway, it would be one of the worst things that could happen to our country.”
A multi-agency approach is being implemented, focusing on awareness, prevention, and containment. The key message for recreational river users is to adopt a rigorous “check, clean, dry” protocol when moving between waterways: removing any visible debris, washing down gear, and drying equipment thoroughly.
“We need a preventative model to increase awareness and understanding of the threat, and in particular how we can prevent it,” Tuaine said.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has allocated $10.2 million to research the impact and management of the gold clam invasion. This research will provide valuable insights into the clam’s behavior and potential solutions for mitigation.
The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. “These clams could be devastating, so we must move quickly; it is now or never,” said Dr Deborah Hofstra, principal scientist freshwater ecology at Niwa, who is leading the research program.
The combined effort of iwi, councils, government agencies, and river user groups is crucial to prevent the catastrophic consequences of a full-scale invasion. The success of this collaborative approach depends on a change in behavior, with everyone taking responsibility to protect the Whanganui River.
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