Check, Clean, Dry to protect our waterways
Protecting our biodiversity
Northland's lakes and rivers are home to many native birds, fish, invertebrates and a wide range of aquatic and wetland plants. They are also highly valued by the people of Northland and visitors as a place to swim, spend time with whānau, gather kai and have fun on the water.
Find out more about our biodiversity
Aquatic pests
Many of our native species are under threat or vulnerable due to freshwater pests such as Invasive freshwater clam, catfish, hornwort or oxygen weed. These pests can also prevent us from accessing and enjoying our waters.
Find out more about aquatic pests
Check, Clean, Dry method
Follow Check, Clean, Dry protocols:
Check
- Remove any plant matter, mud or visible weed or clams from your gear and leave it at the river or lake bank, or put it in the rubbish. Drain all river or lake water from your boat, ballast tanks and gear.
Clean
- Blast your gear and craft with tap water onto grass, not into a stormwater system or drain.
- For absorbent materials, use one of the following treatments.
- Soak in hot tap water (50°C to 55°C) for at least 5 minutes, or
- Soak in 5% bleach solution (5 litre mix = 250ml bleach in 4.75 litres water) for an hour, or
- Freeze till solid (overnight), or
- Soak in salt solution at 100ppt (parts per thousand) (5 litre mix = 500g salt in 5 litres warm water) for 4 hours.
Get a full list of approved treatments, including options for situations where none of the above is suitable, from mpi.govt.nz - Treatment options
Dry
Dry areas inside watercraft where water has pooled, then leave the craft to dry for at least 48 hours (2 days).
Allow gear to dry to touch, inside and out, then leave it to dry for at least 48 hours (2 days) before using again.
More information can be found on the MPI website at: mpi.govt.nz