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South Coast lake re-opened to fishing

FISHING is now open in Wallagoot Lake on the NSW South Coast after the Lake was declared to be free from the noxious marine weed Caulerpa taxifolia (Caulerpa).

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Aquatic Biosecurity Officer, Ben Rampano, said a fishing closure was put in place in Wallagoot Lake in 2007 shortly after the discovery of Caulerpa in the lake.

“Caulerpa is listed as a Class 1 Noxious Marine Vegetation in NSW under the Fisheries Management Act 1994 due its potential to grow rapidly, alter marine habitats and affect biodiversity,” Mr Rampano said.

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Caluerpa Image: NSW DPI

“A fishing closure was established in 2007 to minimise the risk of fragmentation and spread of this highly invasive weed by commercial and recreational fishing activities such as netting.

“DPI coordinated significant control efforts in the lake including providing funding and resources to treat Caulerpa populations using specialised salt application and hand-removal by technical experts.

“These control efforts received high level local enthusiasm and support from the Bournda Environmental Education Centre, Bega Valley Shire Council, Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority, and the Office of Environment and Heritage.

“DPI appreciates all of the assistance provided in the control and advisory efforts since 2007, including from local residents and school students that participated in local activities at the Lake.

“DPI now considers Wallagoot Lake free of Caulerpa after surveys over the last three years failed to detect traces of the weed in the waterway.”

Mr Rampano said the eradication of the weed has allowed the Section 8 Closure in Wallagoot Lake to be revoked.

“Caulerpa has been known to exist in 13 estuaries and lakes in NSW, with most populations unable to be feasibly managed due to the invasive nature and this pest’s ability to re-grow from very small fragments,” Mr Rampano said.

“While this is an excellent result in Wallagoot Lake, I urge the community to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspected sightings of the aquatic pest to DPI.

Reports can be made to DPI Aquatic Biosecurity on (02) 4916 3877 or to aquatic.pests@dpi.nsw.gov.au.”

For more information on Caulerpa visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/aquatic

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