Unfortunately not all water plants we find in our beautiful Lake Macquarie are meant to be there. Caulerpa (Caulerpa taxifolia) is a fast growing marine plant native to the tropics that could pose a serious threat to this area. It is commonly used in the aquarium trade and has now been listed as a Class 1 Noxious Weed. It is a problem because it can grow very rapidly and alter the surrounding marine habitat, affecting how other animals and plants can live.
It has long, flat, bright green fronds 3-25cm long. It is known to turn pale or even white during winter in colder waters. Leaflets are opposite and curve upwards a bit like a feather. It grows along a running stolon attached to the ground (similar to the way a strawberry grows). In moist conditions it can survive out of the water for up to 3 days. It is typically found at depths of 1-12m and can be regrown from a fragment as small as 1cm long.
It can be easily transported by boating and fishing activities. It competes with native seagrass and changes the biodiversity by reducing the food available for native fish and seahorses. It has been observed in Lake Macquarie with the most recent sighting near Belmont in February 2015.
If you believe you may have found this plant place it in a plastic bag and if possible freeze for at least 24 hrs before placing in the garbage. NEVER release it into a drain, creek, lagoon or ocean. If you find it on your gear when you get back to shore DO NOT toss it back in the water. This may create a new population and cause other people to spread the pest too. Even just leaving it lying on the bank is not safe as it can get tangled in someone else’s gear, on vehicles, on waterbirds or simply get washed back into the lake.
Check and clean any equipment that has come in contact with the water including:
- boats, anchors and chains
- jetskis, boats and trailers
- wetsuits
- fishing/diving gear trailer
- boat motors and propellers
Don’t boat, fish or anchor near known outbreaks (such as the one around Belmont).
Caulerpa populations cannot be controlled if we don't know where they are. Report any possible sightings to the DPI Aquatic Biosecurity Unit on (02) 4916 3877.
This geocache is one of a series of Pest Watch geocaches focusing on the biosecurity of NSW, developed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI). These geocaches are designed to provide information to the public in an effort to protect the environment of NSW. DPI has a lead role in preventing, responding to and overseeing the recovery from invasion or spread of plant pests and diseases.
If you suspect the presence of an exotic plant disease or pest, or if you see unusual symptoms on your plants you can report it to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. Further information on this and other biosecurity threats currently faced by NSW can be found on the DPI Biosecurity website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity.
Cache Details
The cache is a small magnetic container hidden in plain sight! You will need to bring your own pen. No room for swaps.
There is a carpark nearby and a bbq/park if you want to make a day out of it. Plenty of nice views from this one.