Check
below decks and clean your gear
Help from boaties and fishers will make a big difference in
keeping pests out of the Hauraki Gulf islands.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is appealing to boaties
and other island visitors to check below decks, clean gear
and leave pets at home before landing on or mooring near the
gulf islands.
Mice and rats particularly love the dark spaces in and around
boats while Argentine ants will rapidly make any close space
home, says DOC spokesperson Richard Griffiths.
“It’s amazing how quickly these pests become stowaways.
Argentine ants are particularly nasty because they’re
so easily spread and they form large colonies readily.”
Likewise it’s easy for ants and weed seeds to get into
gear, shoes and clothing and hitchhike to a new island location.
“It sounds like a pain checking boats and gear every
time you go out but it can make all the difference to keeping
our islands the fantastic locations they are,” Richard
says.
There’s also a fire ban for the gulf islands –
while it’s OK to use gas barbecues, it’s best
to use them on board your boat rather than on shore.
For more information check out www.doc.govt.nz
by region/Auckland or your nearest DOC office.
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