An invader is here and it's time to stop the spread

Invasive gold clams have already set up home in the Waikato River and have recently been detected in Taranaki’s Lake Rotomanu. With each one producing up to 70,000 juveniles a year and breeding season knocking loudly on the door, the fight is on to stop them in their tracks. A team of freshwater ecologists and iwi are on the ground and in the lab working tirelessly to slow the invasion. But they need your help. Clams can hitch a ride on almost anything that comes into contact with the water. All gear and equipment must be checked, cleaned, and dried after use in any lakes and rivers. Watch as we head to ground zero. 📷Maddy Brennan