9.6 What can you do to help?

You can help protect Northland's lakes by:

· Preventing the spread of aquatic weeds. Make sure your boat, trailer and anchor, drainage machinery, eel nets, diving or fishing gear are free of vegetation and are cleaned after use.

· Preventing the eutrophication of waterways. Fence off and plant out the riparian margins of waterways. Keep stock away from lake margins and do not use fertilisers near waterways.

· Report any incidents of pollution to the environmental hotline on 0800 504 639 and any biosecurity threats to the Regional Council on 0800 002 004.

· Join in at a community planting day near you or start up an environmental care group in your area. For more information contact the Northland Regional Council.