The war on Caulerpa in Wallagoot lake begins
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The NSW Department of Primary Industries will begin salting at Wallagoot Lake, in a bid to eradicate the invasive aquatic weed, Caulerpa taxifolia.
DPI Aquatic Biosecurity officer, Steven Kay, said a small patch of Caulerpa was discovered in the Lake in August this year.
"Because in Wallagoot Lake the Caulerpa covers only a small area, salt is being applied to kill it and prevent its spread.
"Over the coming days the team will smother the Caulerpa with around 24 tonnes of salt," Mr Kay said.
Meanwhile a community meeting will be held on Wednesday (24.10.07) night to provide interested parties with an update on the control work.
Caulerpa taxifolia was first identified in NSW in 2000; it has since been identified in 13 estuaries and lakes. Wallagoot Lake is the furthest south that the pest has been discovered.
"It’s a fast growing aquatic weed that easily regenerates from pieces that break off existing plants and it is difficult to eradicate. Caulerpa can easily be introduced to new areas when fragments become entwined in anchors, ropes, fishing gear and diving equipment.
"Education is vital in stopping the spread of Caulerpa and full details on how to do that can be found at: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries," Mr Kay said.
New sightings of Caulerpa can be reported to the 24-hour pest species hotline on 4916 3877 or by sending an email to aquatic.pests@di.nsw.gov.au
DPI will continue to work closely with key stakeholders, including Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority and the Bega Valley Shire Council in the development of appropriate management and education programs in response to the discovery of Caulerpa in the Lake.
How to avoid the spread of Caulerpa :
- Avoiding boating near Caulerpa outbreaks. Propellers cut the plant into many fragments that can drift into areas only to grow into new outbreaks.
- Checking anchors, ropes and chains before leaving an area.
- Checking fishing equipment; nets, traps and fishing lines before and after use.
- Checking dive gear such as wetsuits, bags and other equipment before and after use.
- Collecting any fragments of Caulerpa that you may have accidentally picked up. Seal the pieces in a plastic bag and dispose of them in a bin where they can’t find their way back into the water.
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