Seafood News - Industry Events - Seafood Market

Fisheries VictoriaAustralian News    28/11/2004 11:06:49

Caulerpa taxifolia, a seaweed quite common in marine aquariums across Victoria, has been declared a noxious aquatic species and aquarium owners now have 90 days to get dispose of it.

From November 11th it is an offence to bring Caulerpa taxifolia into Victoria. It is also an offence to keep, take, possess, sell or transport it, or to release the seaweed into protected waters, with offenders facing a first offence maximum penalty of $10,000.

However, marine aquarium owners who have the plant now have a 90-day amnesty in which to dispose of it. The amnesty period will conclude on 8 February 2005.

Caulerpa taxifolia is green, with creeping stems and feather like fronds and has been commonly used as a food source and decoration in marine aquaria.

Fisheries Victoria's Luke Cromie, says natural populations are found in Queensland but a strain developed for the aquarium trade has invaded marine waters of New South Wales and South Australia. Caulerpa taxifolia has not yet established in the wild in Victoria.

"It can spread on anything that's been in the water including boats, wetsuits, boots, fishing tackle, ropes and chains."

"Marine aquarium owners who believe they have Caulerpa taxifolia should dispose of it by putting it, including all the roots, in a plastic bag, placing the plastic bag in a freezer for 24 hours then disposing of the frozen material in a rubbish bin."

"They should not release the species by flushing it down the toilet or sink, or placing it in a drain or waterway."

Mr Cromie says the seaweed has the potential to spread over large areas, excluding native species such as seagrass.

"In interstate waters where it has invaded it has replaced large areas of seagrass leading to a reduction in fish populations, because fish generally won't eat it," he said.

"It has the potential to spread over most Victorian coastal waters if it were released into the wild."

For further information please visit the website at http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au or phone the DPI customer service centre on 136 186.