The rise of the gold clam

An invasive species has taken hold in the Waikato River, and it’s multiplying fast. Gold clams, tiny but relentless, are now found along a large stretch of the awa, where they threaten water infrastructure, and native species. Where might it invade next, and can we control it?

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Learn more:

• Among their other conservation activities, the team at Kids Greening Taupō have taken on the challenge of speaking to every class about the gold clam to raise awareness.
• MPI’s John Walsh spoke to Paddy Gower on Nine to Noon after last year’s gold clam survey, and more recently to Kathryn Ryan about following the rules to prevent the clam’s spread this trout fishing season.
• In Auckland, efforts are underway to protect the native kākahi from the threats of introduced fish.

Guests:

• Dr Michele Melchior, Earth Sciences New Zealand
• Karl Safi, Earth Sciences New Zealand

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details