What can you do to help control the invasive seaweed Caulerpa?

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will be holding community information sessions on the invasive marine seaweed Caulerpa taxifolia at four caravan parks on the south coast over the next week.

DPI Aquatic Pest Taskforce member, James Sakker, said DPI staff will be on hand to show how to identify Caulerpa, and explain the important role the community plays in helping to control its spread.

"The public can help by:

  • 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 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.

"Throughout December, the DPI have worked hard to control Caulerpa in Lake Conjola around the boat ramps, in the main channel of Burrill Lake, and in St Georges Basin at the Basinview boat ramp and in Pat's Bay," Mr Sakker said.

"These areas have been treated with 89 tonnes of salt - a method that has proved one of our most effective weapons in controlling the spread of the weed.

"This work has significantly reduced the amount of weed at both the Basinview ramp and Pat's Bay. A further 36 tonnes of salt will be used to treat Caulerpa in St Georges Basin and Burrill Lake in February."

Boaters in St Georges Basin are reminded to avoid the 'No Boating' area in Smith's Lagoon at the western end of St Georges Basin. The area is marked with large yellow buoys and there is a boom in place across the entrance. Access to the rear of Smith's Lagoon can be made through Wandandian Creek.

Restrictions on some prawn and crab netting activities are in place in some south coast areas to reduce the spread of the weed. Anglers should check with the Shoalhaven DPI Fisheries office on 02 4441 8969 to find out which areas are closed.

Caulerpa taxifolia , a seaweed native to Queensland, currently occurs in nine estuaries in NSW, with infestations ranging from isolated patches to dense beds covering many hectares.

Caulerpa can potentially smother seagrass beds ‑ important nursery areas for fish. It easily regenerates from pieces that break off existing plants, and is difficult to eradicate.

The information sessions will be held on the following dates:

Monday, January 10 Palm Beach Caravan Park, Greville St, Sanctuary Point,
4 pm - 7 pm

Tuesday, January 11 Bendalong Council Tourist Park, Redpoint Road, Bendalong,
4 pm - 7 pm

Wednesday, January 12 Bungalow Tourist Park, 123 Princes Highway, Burrill Lake,
4 pm - 7 pm

Thursday, January 13 Lake Conjola Entrance Caravan Park, Entrance Road, Lake Conjola,
4 pm - 7 pm

New sightings of Caulerpa taxifolia can be reported by calling the NSW DPI's 24-hour recorded reporting line on 02 4916 3877.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Kristina Resanceff on 8289 3926 or 0419 185 375