The management plan uses data gathered from a delimitation survey to determine an effective and efficient approach to eradication of egeria from Ōtākaro | Avon River. The plan provides goals, objectives and milestones, recommendations for when and where to undertake control, and what control tools will be the most appropriate to achieve eradication. The plan also includes detailed maps of known egeria infestations.
Egeria is present in only a few waterways in the South Island and its presence in the lower Ōtākaro | Avon River poses a risk of spread further downstream, and into other waterbodies. This invasive aquatic weed poses a major risk to increased flooding, as well as impacting hydropower generation. It has the potential to create a significant cost burden to Christchurch City Council, tourism operators, hydroelectricity providers, and land managers of major South Island rivers and lakebeds, such as Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand, the Department of Conservation and mana whenua.
The management plan advocates for increased awareness and decontamination practices for all river users to reduce the risk of egeria being transferred to other waterbodies currently free of invasive species.