Bay of Plenty Council Team to Inspect Backyard Ponds for Invasive Pests

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council's biosecurity team is heading into the Western Bay this summer to inspect backyard ornamental ponds for invasive aquatic species. Many pond owners may not realise their ponds are harbouring pest plants or animals that pose a serious risk to local wetlands, lakes, rivers and streams.

Invasive aquatic species can quickly crowd out native plants, block outflow pipes, and form dense canopies that dry out ponds and alter their function. The council's ornamental pond surveillance programme aims to help landowners identify what is growing in and around their ponds, and provides practical advice on managing or removing unwanted species. A similar programme has already proven successful in other parts of the region.

Residents who spot a suspicious plant are encouraged to photograph it, record the GPS location, and report it to the council's biosecurity team by calling 0800 STOP PESTS (0800 786 773) or emailing STOP.PESTS@boprc.govt.nz. Photos can also be shared by email with the subject line 'Pond Pests' for a chance to win a $100 garden centre voucher. More information on aquatic pest species is available at www.boprc.govt.nz/aquatic-pests.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).