South coast community informed about noxious marine seaweed

Representatives of the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will visit the NSW south-coast from November 12-15 as part of an education program to provide information about the noxious seaweed Caulerpa taxifolia (Caulerpa).   

DPI Aquatic Biosecurity Officer Brigid Krug  will also meet with stakeholders including the Southern Rivers CMA, Bega Valley Shire Council, and other groups at the Eurobodalla Shire Estuary Management Forum. 

Ms Krug said Caulerpa has been found in 13 estuaries in NSW including seven south coast estuaries.  Three of these infestations - in Batemans Bay, Durras Lake and Wallagoot Lake, were only recently discovered in 2007.

"Caulerpa is listed as noxious in NSW, and has the potential to threaten native seagrasses and aquatic biodiversity"

DPI has recently undertaken salting control work in Wallagoot Lake in an effort to eradicate the small, discrete patch of Caulerpa there. 

"However, salting is not always a feasible option, and therefore community education on how to recognise and prevent any further spread of this marine pest is vital," she said.

The Department of Primary Industries is distributing 10,000 updated South Coast Caulerpa brochures to various outlets including bait and tackle shops, dive shops, holiday parks and tourist information centres during the next few months.

The community information sessions will be held on:

• Monday 12 November, 6 - 7pm, Merimbula (Big Game and Lakes Angling Club, Spencer Park, Merimbula)
• Tuesday 13 November 6 - 7pm, at Batemans Bay (Mackay Park Sporting Club, Mackay Park, Batemans Bay)

Caulerpa infestations or suspected sightings of marine pests should be reported to the NSW DPI 24 hour recorded hotline 02 4916 3877 or email aquatic.pests@dpi.nsw.gov.au.

Southern Rivers CMA has worked closely with NSW DPI and provided funding for the education program. For more information about Caulerpa, refer to the Department of Primary Industries website: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries