New weed cordons at Otaramarae to reduce the risk of aquatic Plant pests spreading.
New weed cordons are in place at Ōtaramarae? These are to protect against boaties who aren’t cleaning their vessels and trailers between waterways are risking the spread of aquatic plant pests.
Weed cordons, constructed from netting and marked with buoys and markers, are in place in several Rotorua lakes and are designed to catch plant fragments that may detach from boats and trailers entering the water, minimising the risk of aquatic pest plant invasions. They are made locally by a father & son team, you can read more about them here.
Aquatic pest plants, many of which can easily grow from just small fragments, develop into thick blankets, altering habitats for native species, smothering native aquatic plants, clogging intakes on jet boats, fouling propellers and preventing recreational activities, such as fishing and waterskiing. Boaties can be prosecuted for transporting aquatic pest plants from one waterway to another.
It's great to see this protective barrier added to one of our busiest boat ramps.