New rules to stop the spread of aquatic pests across the Bay of Plenty come in to force this summer.

Boat ramp users now required to self-certify their vessels and trailers are free from freshwater fish and plant pests.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council biosecurity manager Greg Corbett says the rules contained within the Bay of Plenty Regional Pest Management Plan 2020 – 2030, which became operative on the December 17, 2020, ensure lake users take an active role in protecting the long term health of the region's lakes and rivers.

'Ultimately, everyone benefits from these new rules. Preventing the spread of aquatic pest plants and fish that can choke the lakes, making them murky and causing the decline of native species, is vital.

'The rules themselves are very much based on common sense and are essentially an extension of the Check, Clean, Dry behaviour that has been promoted nationally for many years.

'This summer is focused on educating people on what the rules are and what is required of them before they head out on the water. Based on last year's boat ramp checks around the Te Arawa Rotorua lakes we are confident that the new rules reflect the actions that many boat ramp users are already undertaking,” says Greg.

In addition to ensuring vessels and trailers are free from freshwater pest fish and pest plants, occupiers of vessels must ensure no ballast water is transported between locations and trailers are not left in the water other than for launching or retrieval.

Self-certification checkpoints have been set up this week at the most popular boat ramps around the Rotorua Te Arawa lakes.

The checkpoints are clearly signposted and have forms that should be completed and displayed on the dashboard of the vehicle used to launch the vessel.

Starting from 30th January Biosecurity staff from Te Arawa Lakes Trust will be visiting the most popular boat ramps in the area to help lake users to understand the new rules and check that they are complying with them.

Bay of Plenty 2020 - 2030 Regional Pest Management Plan, Rule 7

To avoid the spread of freshwater fish pests and freshwater plant pests, the following provisions apply:

-No person shall leave boat trailers in any water body other than for the purposes of launching and/or retrieving boats.

-No person shall transport ballast water from any water body to any other location.

-All occupiers of vessels or craft entering any water body within the Bay of Plenty shall ensure their vessels or craft (including trailers) are free from freshwater pest fish and freshwater pest plants including fragments.

-All occupiers of vessels or craft using a boat ramp with a self-certification checkpoint must complete the supplied certification form and display it in the vehicle used to launch the vessel or craft.