An algae that produces a slimy substance known 'Lake Snot' has spread to at least ten South Island lakes.
The unsightly material was first found in Wanaka over a decade ago, and has now been detected in some of Canterbury's pristine water ways.
Tourist hotspots like Lake Tekapo have an international reputation for beautiful landscapes. But according to new tests, lurking beneath the surface is the unappealing invader.
Adrian Meredith, Principal Water Quality Scientist at ECan says the "mucus material tends to clog filters, and mess up on fishing gear, boats, and generally, it's just quite unsightly."
Environment Canterbury has discovered the snotty algae, more formally known as Lindavia, is spreading around the South Island.
It clogs up fishing lines, creating a slimy non-toxic substance
Very little is known about its origin, sparking concern from Fish & Game.
Fish & Game South Island spokesman Richard Cosgrove says it's only in the last year that anglers have popped up in Otago saying it's a problem, "so it obviously warrants more funding so we can actually ascertain the extent of the problem".
Environment Canterbury says the algae could be even more widespread than first thought. Several lakes including those north of Christchurch are untested.
Until the science catches up, the advice is to check, clean and dry everything that touches the infected lakes.
Newshub.
