The Department of Conservation is reminding whitebaiters to check, clean and dry their gear to help prevent the spread of didymo algae and other aquatic pests.
The whitebaiting season began throughout the North Island and east coast of the South Island on Sunday. The West Coast season is due to start in a fortnight.
Department spokesperson Richard Gill says it is asking whitebaiters to be extra cautious this season after the outbreak of didymo in the South Island.
Mr Gill says a number of other aquatic pests and weeds can also be transferred if people do not clean their equipment when moving up or between waterways.
