NSW Fisheries to host invasive marine seaweed information sessions
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NSW Fisheries will be holding a series of community information sessions on the invasive marine seaweed Caulerpa taxifolia at several tourist parks on the south coast, and around Lake Macquarie on the mid north coast, over the next two weeks.
NSW Fisheries Manager Threatened Species, Bill Talbot, said staff from the NSW Fisheries' Aquatic Pest Taskforce will be on hand with information on how to identify Caulerpa and the important role the community can play in helping to control its spread.
"Local residents and visiting boat users can help stop the spread of Caulerpa by taking extra care to check their boats and fishing equipment so fragments of the plant are not transferred to other waterways".
"The information sessions will also provide local residents and visitors with information on the progress of the NSW Government's program to control Caulerpa," Mr Talbot said.
Caulerpa taxifolia, a seaweed native to Queensland, currently occurs in eight estuaries in NSW, with infestations ranging from isolated patches to dense beds covering many hectares.
Caulerpa can smother seagrass beds, which are important nursery areas for fish. It grows rapidly and easily regenerates from pieces that break off existing plants.
The information sessions, which include a free sausage sizzle, will be held on the following dates:
Tuesday, January 6 Wangi Tourist Park, Watkins Rd, Wangi Wangi
3 pm - 6 pm
Wednesday, January 7 Swansea Gardens Tourist Park, Wallarah St,
Swansea
3 pm - 6 pm
Thursday, January 8 Monterey Caravan Park
Mannering Park 3 pm - 6 pm
Tuesday, January 13 Bendalong Council Tourist Park
Redpoint Road, Bendalong
3 pm - 6 pm
Wednesday, January 14 Lake Conjola Entrance Caravan Park
Entrance Road, Lake Conjola
3 pm - 6 pm
Thursday, January 15 Bungalow Tourist Park
123 Princes Highway, Burrill Lake 3 pm - 6 pm
" Members of the community can report sightings of Caulerpa to the pest species hotline on 4916 3877," Mr Talbot said.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Kristina Resanceff 8437 4915 or Eric Aubert on 0419 185 375