31 January 2006

The waters of Te Waikoropupu Springs in Golden Bay have been closed to diving, swimming and other contact to protect the outstanding springs from the invasive alga Didymo.

People are prohibited from having contact with or putting any equipment into the springs' waters. The ban applies to all the waters within the Pupu Springs Scenic Reserve, managed by the Department of Conservation, including the Main Spring, Dancing Sands Pool, Fish Creek and the Springs River.

DOC Golden Bay Area Manager John Mason said Te Waikoropupu Springs were internationally significant and had high ecological values making it of utmost importance to take steps to protect them. The springs are the largest cold water springs in the Southern Hemisphere and their water clarity is second only to Antarctica's Weddell Sea.

“Movement of people and gear, such as wet suits, between water bodies risks spreading Didymo and we want to prevent it getting into the pristine waters and environment of Te Waikoropupu Springs.

“Even though people are being told to clean and disinfect their gear to prevent the spread of Didymo and other aquatic pests, there can be no way of knowing people have followed the necessary cleaning procedures. Didymo is not always visible and it only takes one microscopic fragment to infest an unaffected water body with it.

“The only sure way of preventing Didymo being carried into Te Waikoropupu Springs is to close it waters to contact by people or equipment. We appreciate there may be some disappointment at closing the springs to diving and other recreation but Te Waikoropupu Springs are exceptional and we have to take the most effective measure we can in our efforts to safeguard them.”

Te Waikoropupu Springs are noted for their diversity of submerged mosses and liverworts that thrive in the cool water. They include an endemic moss found nowhere else. A total of 43 native invertebrate species have been found in the springs, half of which may only exist there. The Main Spring and Dancing Sands pool have numerous types of native aquatic plants. Native fish in the springs include a healthy population of the threatened species giant kokopu.

Manawhenua ki Mohua, the iwi of Golden Bay, have been consulted over the decision to close the waters of Te Waikoropupu and support it. The Nelson/Marlborough Conservation Board had also recommended the waters be closed. Biosecurity New Zealand, which is managing the didymo incursion, has been informed.

Media contact: John Mason, Golden Bay Area Manager, +64 3 525 8026.