Biosecurity warning for inflatable canoe users. Inflatable canoes are an excellent means by which to enjoy a river. They are particularly useful for recreational users or 'explorers' like myself who like the idea of pulling out a canoe from the car and running the river.
This convenience however should not discourage people from being responsible. Inflatables are a potential biosecurity hazard if they are not properly cleaned. Recreational canoeing poses a threat to wildlife is a canoe is taken from one river (region) to another, and more particular from one country to another.
In NZ there is currently no didymo in the North Island rivers, though the first occurrence was reported in the South Island rivers in 2004. The sad reality is that recreational fishermen and canoeing enthusiasts are leading the efforts to protect rivers. The flipside is the risk they pose to these rivers. I would suggest that inflatable canoes pose a particular risk.
When a fisherman stows his gear is is likely to dry out so the didymo is likely to die. A canoeist is similarly likely to dry out their wetsuit and other clothes, if not wash them. The prospect of spreading didymo is increased by inflatable canoes because:
1. The waterproof plastic can trap pockets of didymo (algae) laden water in the folds of the canoe
2. The waterproof plastic prevents evaporation and drying of the canoe
For more information on didymo in NZ refer to this brochure. Similar precautions should be taken in Australia and other countries. Island nations like Australia and NZ have for a long time been safe from such scourges. It would be nice to preserve them.
It is very easy to clean an inflatable. Simply follow the following steps:
1. Deflate or inflate the different pockets/compartments of the canoe away from the river
2. Wipe down the canoe with a dry cloth before and after your canoeing experience
3. Fold or unfold the canoe away form the river
4. Identify any water within the canoe and dry - both when stowing and unstowing your inflatable
5. After your canoe trip ensure you leave the inflatable to dry in the sun. I would suggest drying in a way which allows all water to drain out. After most water drains, after 30 minutes move the canoe to avoid water accumulation. You can do this at the river or at home for convenience.
6. Wash and dry the rag that you have used to clean the canoe
7. Remove any sendiment or leaf little that might accumulate in the inflatable.
The problem I have with this Didymo Awareness campaign to protect NZ rivers has been conducted is the lack of information in this brochure about cleaning your equipment, cand the lack of email contact info if you have questions, etc. Not everyone lives in the area. Travellers from overseas might want more information. After all this algae was spread to NZ by either Europeans visiting or NZ'ers returning home after a canoe or fishing trip in Europe.
These risks may apply to any river or country so its important to be aware of the general risks of using inflatables.
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Andrew Sheldon www.sheldonthinks.com
This convenience however should not discourage people from being responsible. Inflatables are a potential biosecurity hazard if they are not properly cleaned. Recreational canoeing poses a threat to wildlife is a canoe is taken from one river (region) to another, and more particular from one country to another.
In NZ there is currently no didymo in the North Island rivers, though the first occurrence was reported in the South Island rivers in 2004. The sad reality is that recreational fishermen and canoeing enthusiasts are leading the efforts to protect rivers. The flipside is the risk they pose to these rivers. I would suggest that inflatable canoes pose a particular risk.
When a fisherman stows his gear is is likely to dry out so the didymo is likely to die. A canoeist is similarly likely to dry out their wetsuit and other clothes, if not wash them. The prospect of spreading didymo is increased by inflatable canoes because:
1. The waterproof plastic can trap pockets of didymo (algae) laden water in the folds of the canoe
2. The waterproof plastic prevents evaporation and drying of the canoe
For more information on didymo in NZ refer to this brochure. Similar precautions should be taken in Australia and other countries. Island nations like Australia and NZ have for a long time been safe from such scourges. It would be nice to preserve them.
It is very easy to clean an inflatable. Simply follow the following steps:
1. Deflate or inflate the different pockets/compartments of the canoe away from the river
2. Wipe down the canoe with a dry cloth before and after your canoeing experience
3. Fold or unfold the canoe away form the river
4. Identify any water within the canoe and dry - both when stowing and unstowing your inflatable
5. After your canoe trip ensure you leave the inflatable to dry in the sun. I would suggest drying in a way which allows all water to drain out. After most water drains, after 30 minutes move the canoe to avoid water accumulation. You can do this at the river or at home for convenience.
6. Wash and dry the rag that you have used to clean the canoe
7. Remove any sendiment or leaf little that might accumulate in the inflatable.
The problem I have with this Didymo Awareness campaign to protect NZ rivers has been conducted is the lack of information in this brochure about cleaning your equipment, cand the lack of email contact info if you have questions, etc. Not everyone lives in the area. Travellers from overseas might want more information. After all this algae was spread to NZ by either Europeans visiting or NZ'ers returning home after a canoe or fishing trip in Europe.
These risks may apply to any river or country so its important to be aware of the general risks of using inflatables.
----------------------------------------------
Andrew Sheldon www.sheldonthinks.com
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