Gold clam nos explode in Waikato River

They are literally everywhere - millions upon millions of invasive gold clams within touching distance from the banks of the Waikato River - it’s something that needs to be seen to be believed.

Since their discovery in Lake Karapiro at Bob’s Landing in May of 2023, gold clams - Corbicula fluminea - have made the river their home, from Port Waikato to Lake Maraetai.

According to Earth Sciences New Zealand and Waikato Regional Council staff and researchers, the river seems to be the perfect breeding ground for gold clams as they pull bucket after bucket of the invasive fresh water pest species from the river.