Title: Working together to control noxious aquatic pest on NSW Far South Coast
[NSW DPI, 26 May 2009] The NSW Department of Primary Industries is working closely with a range of stakeholders to control a noxious weed in Wallagoot Lake, on the NSW Far South Coast, Jane Frances, NSW DPI Manager Aquatic Biosecurity & Risk Management, said today. Caulerpa taxifolia (Caulerpa) is listed as a noxious species in NSW. "Caulerpa is a threat to our native marine environment, as it spreads quickly and can potentially impact native seagrasses and possibly reduce fish stocks," Ms Frances said. "To date, Caulerpa has been found in 14 estuaries and lakes in NSW.
"It was first discovered in Wallagoot Lake on the Far South Coast in 2007.
"Previous control work using salt application has resulted in some existing areas being reduced significantly in size."
This week the NSW DPI has been heavily involved in a multi-agency effort to control Caulerpa, to minimise the spread of the aquatic pest to other parts of the Lake.
"Extensive monitoring was undertaken in the areas surrounding the known Caulerpa locations, and some additional areas were identified, with NSW DPI staff manually removing sections of the noxious weed," Ms Frances sad
"It is important that people are aware of the presence of Caulerpa in Wallagoot Lake, and that if fragments are found on any fishing or boating gear, such as fishing rods or anchors, that they are removed and put in the bin.
"Caulerpa can easily become entangled in fishing and boating gear.
"To reduce the risk of the spread by fishing activities, a closure is in place over the existing Caulerpa beds."
NSW DPI will return to Wallagoot Lake later in summer of 2009/10 to conduct further monitoring, and discuss potential future options for the management of the weed.